


(9-L—WI—19@b¢) 





AAXVAAIT 


AHAANS AXOLSIH IVANLVN 


HLVLS SIONITTI - 


Natural History Survey 
~ Library 








PREPARING BREAKFAST 
(Two adult Chipping Sparrows breaking worm into pieces to feed young.) 





BIRD GUIDE 


LAND BIRDS EAST OF THE ROCKIES 


FROM PARROTS TO BLUEBIRDS 


BY 


CHESTER A. REED 


Author of 
North American Birds’ Eggs, and, with Frank M. Chapman, of Color Key to North American 
Birds. Curator in Ornithology, Worcester Natural History Society. 


GARDEN CITY NEW YORK on 


DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY = 
1926 


oy, 


Copyrighted, 1906, 1909, by CHAS. K. REED. 


PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES 
AT 
THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y. 


“2 \ \ C 
zn f 
. Jo ih ~~ —— Ad 
‘Ay! ; = eh QAF tf «¢ 
o ’ wy 


S 


‘> 
0 ? 
R25b\ PREFACE 


‘Ze The native birds are one of our nation’s most valuable 
assets. Destroy them, and in a comparatively few years 
the insects will have multiplied to such an extent that trees 
will be denuded of their foliage, plants will cease to thrive and 
crops cannot be raised. This is not fancy but plain facts, 
Look at the little Chickadee on the side of this page. She was 
photographed while entering a bird box, with about twenty- 
five plant lice to feed her seven young; about two hundred 
times a day either she or her mate made trips with similar 
loads to feed the growing youngsters. 

~ It has been found, by observation and dissection, that a 
Cuckoo consumes daily from 50 to 400 caterpillars or their 
equivalent, while a Chickadee will eat from 200 to 500 insects 
or up to 4,000 insect or worm eggs. 100 insects a day is a con- 
servative estimate of the quantity consumed by each individual 
insectivorous bird. By carefully estimating the birds in sev- 
eral areas, I find that, in Massachusetts, there are not less than 
five insect-eating birds per acre. Thus this state with its 8,000 
square miles has a useful bird population of not less than 25,600,000, which, for each day’s fare, re- 
quires the enormous total of 2,560,000,000insects. That such figures can beexpressed in terms better 


5 





understood, it has been computed that about 120,000 average insects fill a bushel measure. This 
means that the daily consumption, of chiefly obnoxious insects, in Massachusetts is 21,000 bushels. 
This estimate is good for about five months in the year, May to September inclusive; during the 
remainder of the year, the insects, eggs and larvee destroyed by our Winter, late Fall and early 
Spring migrants will be equivalent to nearly half this quantity. 

It is the duty, and should be the pleasure, of every citizen to do all in his or her power to protect 
these valuable creatures, and to encourage them to remain about our homes. The author believes 
that the best means of protection is the disseminating of knowledge concerning them, and the creat- 
ing of an interest in their habits and modes of life. With that object in view, this little book is pre- 
pared. May it serve its purpose and help those already interested in the subject, and may it be the 
medium for starting many others on the road to knowledge of our wild, feathered friends. 


CHESTER A. REED. 


Worcester, Mass., 
October 1, 1905. 


INTRODUCTION 


It is an undisputed fact that a great many of our birds are becoming more scarce each year, 
while a few are, even now, on the verge of extinction. The decrease in numbers of a few species 
may be attributed chiefly to the elements, such as a long-continued period of cold weather or ice 
storms in the winter, and rainy weather during the nesting season; however, in one way or another, 
and often unwittingly, man is chiefly responsible for the diminution in numbers. If I were to 
name the forces that work against the increase of bird life, in order of their importance, I should 
give them as: Man; the elements; accidents; cats; other animals; birds of prey; and snakes. I do 
not take into consideration the death of birds from natural causes, such as old age and disease, for 
these should be counterbalanced by the natural increase. 

There are parts that each one of us can play in lessening the unnatural dangers that lurk along 
a bird’s path in life. Individually, our efforts may amount to but little, perhaps the saving of the 
lives of two or three, or more, birds during the year, but collectively, our efforts will soon be felt in 
the bird-world. 

How Can We Protect the Birds?—Nearly all states have fairly good game laws, which, 
if they could be enforced, would properly protect our birds from man, but they cannot be; if our » 
boys and girls are educated to realize the economic value of the birds, and are encouraged to study 
their habits, the desire to shoot them or to rob them of their eggs will be very materially lessened. 
It is a common practice for some farmers to burn their land over in the Spring, usually about nest- 
ing time. Three years ago, and as far back of that as I can remember, a small ravine or valley was 
teeming with bird life; it was the most favored spot that I know of, for the variety and numbers of 


7 


its bird tenants. Last year, toward the end of May, this place was deliberately burned over by 
the owner. ‘Twenty-seven nests that I know of, some with young, others with eggs, and still 
others in the process of construction, were destroyed, besides hundreds of others that I had never 
seen. This year the same thing was done earlier in the season, and not a bird nested here, and, 
late in Summer, only a few clumps of ferns have found courage to appear above the blackened 
ground. Farmers also cut off a great many patches of underbrush that might just as well have 
been left, thus, for lack of suitable places for their homes, driving away some of their most valuable 
assistants. The cutting off of woods and forests is an important factor in the decrease of bird life, 
as well as upon the climate of the country. 

Our winter birds have their hardships when snow covers the weed tops, and a coating of ice 
covers the trees, so that they can neither get seeds nor grubs. During the nesting season, we often 
have long-continued rains which sometimes cause an enormous loss of life to insect-eating birds and 
their young. In 1903, after a few weeks’ steady rain and damp weather, not a Purple Martin 
could be found in Worcester County, nor, as far as I know, in New England; they were wholly un- 
able to get food for either themselves or their young, and the majority of them left this region. 
The Martin houses, when cleaned out, were found to contain young, eggs, and some adults that had 
starved rather than desert their family. The Martins did not return in 1904 or 1905. 

Birds are subject to a great many accidents, chiefly by flying into objects at night. Tele- 
phone and telegraph wires maim or kill thousands, while lighthouses and steeples often cause the 
ground to be strewn with bodies during migrations. Other accidents are caused by storms, fatigue 
while crossing large bodies of water, nests falling from trees because of an insecure support, and 
ground nests being trod upon by man, horses, and cattle. 


8 


In the vicinity of cities, towns, villages, or farms, one of the most fertile sources of danger to 
bird life is from cats. Even the most gentle household pet, if allowed its liberty out of doors, will 
get its full quota of birds during the year, while homeless cats, and many that are not, will average 
several hundred birds apiece during the season. After years of careful observation, Mr. E. H. 
Forbush, Mass., state ornithologist, has estimated that the average number of birds killed, per cat 
population, is about fifty. If a dog kills sheep or deer, he is shot and the owner has to pay 
damages; if a man is caught killing a bird, he pays a fine; but cats are allowed to roam about with- 
out restriction, leaving death and destruction in their wake. All homeless cats should be sum- 
marily dealt with, and all pets should be housed, at least from May until August, when the young 
birds are able to fly. 

Of wild animals, Red Squirrels are far the most destructive to young birds and eggs; Chip- 
munks and Grays are also destructive but not nearly as active or impudent as the Reds. Skunks, 
Foxes, and Weasels are smaller factors in the decrease of bird life. 

Birds of prey have but little to do with the question of bird protection for, with a few excep- 
tions, they rarely feed upon other birds, and nearly all of them are of considerable economic value 
themselves. Jays, Crows, and Grackles, by devouring the eggs and young of our smaller birds, 
are a far greater menace than are the birds of prey, but even these have their work and should be 
left in the place that Nature intended for them; they should, however, be taught to keep away from 
the neighborhood of houses. 

How Can We Attract Birds About Our Homes?—Many birds prefer to live in the vicinity 
of houses, and they soon learn where they are welcome. Keep your premises as free as possible 
from cats, dogs, and especially English Sparrows, and other birds will come. Robins, Orioles, 


9 


Kingbirds, Waxwings and a few others will nest in orchard trees, while in dead limbs or bird — 
boxes will be found Bluebirds, Wrens, Swallows, Woodpeckers, Chickadees, ete. 

A house for Purple Martins may contain many apartments; it should be erected in an open 
space, on a ten or twelve foot pole. Boxes for other birds should have but one compartment, and 
should be about six by six by eight inches, with a hole at least one and one-half inches in diameter 
in one side; these can be fastened in trees or on the sides or cornices of barns or sheds. It is need- 
less to say that English Sparrows should not be allowed to use these boxes. By tying suet to 
limbs of trees in winter, and providing a small board upon which grain, crumbs, etec., may be 
sprinkled, large numbers of winter birds may be fed; of these, probably only the Chickadees will 
remain to nest, if they can find a suitable place. 

How to Study Birds.—This refers, not to the scientific, but to the popular study of our 
birds, chiefly in the field. We can learn many very interesting things by watching our birds, 
especially during the nesting season, and the habits and peculiarities of many are still but im- 
perfectly known. One thing to be impressed upon the student at the start is the need of very care- 
ful observation before deciding upon the identity of a bird with which you are not perfectly famil- 
iar. A bird’s colors appear to differ greatly when viewed in different lights, while in looking up 
in the tree tops, it is often impossible to see any color at all without the aid of a good field glass. 
By the way, we would advise every one to own a good pair of these, for, besides being almost in- 
dispensable for bird study, they are equally valuable for use at the seashore, in the mountains, or at 
the theatre. ' We have examined more than a hundred makes of field glasses to select the one best 
adapted to bird study, and at a moderate price. We found one that was far superior to any other 
at the same price, and was equal to most of those costing three times as much. It gives a very 


10 


clear image, magnifies about four diameters, and has a very large field of view. It comes ina silk 
lined leather case, with cord for suspending from the shoulder, and is of a convenient size for carry- 
ing in the pocket. We have made arrangements so that we can sell these at a reasonable price 
(money refunded if they are not satisfactory after three days’ trial). 

We should also advise everyone to keep a notebook, apart from the Bird Guide. At the end 
of the season you can write neatly with ink on the top of the pages of the Guide, the dates of the 
earliest arrivals and latest departures of the birds that you have recorded. If you see a bird that 
you do not recognize, make the following notes, as completely as possible: Length (approximately); 
any bright colors or patches; shape of bill, whether most like that of a finch, warbler, etc.; has it a 
medium or superciliary line, eye ring, wing bars, or white in the tail; what are its notes or song; 
does it keep on or near the ground, or high up; are its actions quick or slow; upon what does it ap- 
pear to be feeding; is it alone or with other birds, and what kind; where was it seen, in dry woods, 
swamp, pasture, etc.; date that it was seen. With this data you can identify any bird, but usually 
you will need only to glance over the pictures in the Bird Guide to find the name of the bird you 
have seen. 

I should advise any one by all means to make a complete local list of all the birds that are 
found in his neighborhood, but of far greater value than the simple recording of the different 
species seen on each walk, will be the making a special study of one or more birds, even though 
they be common ones. While, of course, noting any peculiarities of any bird that you may see, 
select some particular one or ones and find out all you can about it. The following most necessary 
points are cited to aid the student in making observations: Date of arrival and whether in large 
flocks, pairs, or singly; where found most abundantly; upon what do they feed at the different 


11 


seasons; what are their songs and calls at different seasons; when and where do they make their 
nests; of what are they made and by which bird or both; how long does it take, and when are the first 
and the last egg laid; how long does it take them to hatch, and do both birds or only one incubate 
them; upon what are the young fed at different ages; how long do they remain in the nest, and do 
they return after once leaving; how long before they are able to feed themselves, and do they re- 
main with their parents until they migrate. These and other notes that will suggest themselves 
will furnish interesting and valuable instruction during your leisure time. 


12 


\\ Primaries 
Primary \ 


Greater Coveris XS 

Middle Coveris 

Lesset Coverts 

Rula- Spurious Wing, 

Dadany : = scabulars 
edian Line oP) 

Mandibles (Wns, FR oar oh Wing Bars 

Lore y “. Shoulder 

Subercilary Line Breas} ~ KK Tibha 

Lar Coveris«Auriculars’ Throat VAN 






Tarsus 


TOPOGRAPHY OF A BIRD 


The numbers and names used in this book are those adopted by the American Ornithologists’ 
Union, and are known both in this country and abroad. The lengths given are averages; our 
small birds often vary considerably and may be found either slightly larger or smaller than those 

uoted. 
G On some of the pages a number of sub-species are mentioned. Sub-species often cause con- 
fusion, because they are usually very similar to the original; they can best be identified by the 
locality in which they are found. 

Of course the writing of birds’ songs is an impossibility, but wherever I have thought it might 
prove of assistance, I have given a crude imitation of what it sounds like to me. The nests and 
eggs are described, as they often lead to the identity of a bird. We would suggest that you neatly, 
and with ink, make a cross against the name of each bird that you see in your locality, and also 
that you write at the top of the page the date of the arrival and departure of each bird as you note 
it; these dates vary so much in different localities that we have not attempted to give them. 

As many will not wish to soil their books, we would suggest that they have a leather-covered 
copy for the library and a cloth one for pocket use. 


14 


BIRD GUIDE 





LAND BIRDS EAST OF 


THE ROCKIES 





b 
CAROLINA PAROQUET 


382. Conuropsis carolinensis. 123 inches 


Adults have the fore part of the head orange, while young 

- birds have the head entirely green, with only a trifle orange on 
| the forehead. 
bed With the exception of the Thick-Billed Parrot, which is very 
rarely found in southern Arizona, these are the only members of 
the Parrot family in the United States. They were once 
abundant throughout the southern states, but are now nearly 
extinct. They are found in heavily timbered regions, usually 
along the banks of streams, where they feed upon seeds and 
berries. 

Note.—A sharp, rolling “‘kr-r-r-r-r.”’” (Chapman.) 

Nest.—Supposed to be in hollow trees, where they lay from 
three to five white eggs (1.31 x. 1.06). 

Range.—Formerly the southern states, but now confined to 
the interior of Florida, and, possibly, Indian Territory. 





17 





GROOVE-BILLED ANI 
384. Crotophaga sulcirostris. 144 inches 


Anis are fairly abundant in southern Texas along the Rio 
Grande. Like all the members of the family of Cuckoos, their 
nesting habits are very irregular; ofttimes a number of them 
will unite and form one large nest in a bush, in which all deposit 
their eggs. The eggs are bluish-green, covered with a white 
chalky deposit (1.25 x .95). 


ROAD-RUNNER 
385. Geococcyx californianus. 23 inches 


In the southwestern portions of our country, from Texas and 
Kansas west to the Pacific, these curious birds are commonly 
found. They are locally known as “‘Ground Cuckoos,” 
-“Snake-killers,”’ “‘Chaparral Cocks.” They are very fond of 
lizards and small snakes, which form a large part of their fare. 
They are very fleet runners, but fly only indifferently well. 
Their four to ten white eggs are laid on frail nests of twigs, in 
bushes. 





18 








MANGROVE CUCKOO 
386. Coccyzus minor. 13 inches 


These buff-breasted Cuckoos are natives of Cuba and Cen- 
tral America, being found in southern Florida only during the 
summer. ‘The habits of all the American Cuckoos are practi- 
cally identical and their notes or songs can only be dis- 
tinguished from one another by long familiarity. 


YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO 
387. Coccyzus americanus. 12% inches 


This species is the most abundant in the southern part of its 
range, while the Black-bill is the most common in the North. 
Notice that the lower mandible is yellowish, that the wings are 
largely rufous, and that the outer tail feathers are black, with 
broad white tips, these points readily distinguishing this 
species from the next. The eggs of this species are large and 
paler colored than the next (1.20 x .90). They breed from the 
Gulf to southern Canada and winter in Central America. 


19 








BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO 
388. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. 11% inches 


Cuckoos are of quiet and retiring habits, but on account of 
their mournful notes are often regarded with awe by the super- 
stitious. They are one of our most valuable birds, for they 
consume quantities of the fuzzy Tent Caterpillars that are so 
destructive. 

Their short, rounded wings and long, broad tails give them a 
silent, gliding flight that often enables them to escape un- 
noticed. 

Note.—A low guttural croak, “cow,” “cow,” etc., repeated 
a great many times and sometimes varied with “cow-uh,” 
also repeated many times. 

Nest.—Flat, shabby platforms of twigs placed at low eleva- 
tions in thickets or on the lower branches of trees. The four 
greenish-blue eggs are 1.15 x .85. 

Range.— United States and southern Canada, east of the 
Rockies. Arrives in May and leaves in September for northern 
South America. 


99 66 


20 





By BELTED KINGFISHER 
390. Ceryle alcyon. 13 inches 


The male has the breast band and sides blue-gray, like the 
back, while the female has chestnut-colored sides and breast 
band in addition to a gray band. 

Kingfishers may be found about ponds, lakes, rivers, the sea- 
side or small creeks; anywhere that small fish may be obtained. 
Their food is entirely of fish that they catch by diving for, from 
their perches on dead branches, or by hovering over the water 

*, until the fish are in proper positions and then plunging after 
them. 

Note.—A very loud, harsh rattle, easily heard half a mile 
away on a clear, quiet day. 

Nest.—At the end of a two or three foot tunnel in a sand 
bank. ‘The tunnel terminates in an enlarged chamber where 
the five to eight glossy white eggs (1.35 x 1.05) are laid upon the 
sand. 

Range.—Whole of North America north to the Arctic 
regions. Winters from southern United States southward. 


21 





TEXAS KINGFISHER 
391. Ceryle americana septentrionalis. 8 inches 


The adult male of this species has a rufous breast band, while 
the female has only a greenish one. 

The Texan Green Kingfisher is the smallest member of the 
family found within our borders. You will notice that all 
Kingfishers have the two outer toes on each foot joined together 
for about two thirds of their length. This has been brought 
about through their habit of excavating in sand banks for nest- 
ing sites. It is quite probable that at some future distant» 
period the three forward toes may be connected for their whole 
length, so as to give them a still more perfect shovel. 

Note.—A rattling cry, more shrill than that of the Belted 
Kingfisher. 

Nest.—The four to six glossy white eggs are laid on the sand 
at the end of a horizontal burrow in a bank, the end being en- 
larged into a chamber sufficiently large to allow the parent bird 
to turn about. 

Range.—Southwestern border of the United States, from 
southern Texas to Arizona. 





22 


IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER 
392. Campephilus principalis. 20 inches 


Male with a scarlet crest, female with a black one. 

These are the largest and most rare of the Woodpeckers 
found within our borders. Their decline in numbers is due, to 
a certain extent, to the killing of them because of their size and 
beauty, but chiefly on account of cutting off of a great deal of 
the heavy timber where they nest. They are very powerful 
birds and often scale the bark off the greater portion of a tree 
in search for insects and grubs, while they will bore into the 
heart of a living tree to make their home. 

Note.—A shrill two-syllabled shriek or whistle. 

Nest.—In holes of large trees in impenetrable swamps. On 
the chips at the bottom of the cavity they lay from three to 
six glossy, pure white eggs (1.45 x 1.00). 

Range.—Formerly the South Atlantic States and west to 
Texas and Indian Territory, but now confined to a few isolated 
portions of Florida and, possibly, Indian Territory. 


23 








HAIRY WOODPECKER 
393. Dryobates villosus. 9 inches 


In summer these Woodpeckers are found in heavy woods, 
where they breed, but in Winter they are often seen on trees 
about houses, even in the larger cities, hunting in all the crev- 
ices of the bark in the hope of locating the larva of some insect. 
They usually are more shy than the Downy, from which they 
can readily be distinguished by their much larger size. 

Note.—A sharp whistled “peenk.”’ 

Nest.—In holes in trees in deep woods; three to six glossy 
white eggs (.59 x .70). 

Range.—FEastern U. 8. from Canada to North Carolina. 

Sub-Species.—393a. Northern Hairy Woodpecker (leu- 
comelas), British America and Alaska; larger. 393b. South- 
ern Hairy Woodpecker (audubonii), South Atlantic and Gulf 
States; smaller. The difference between these birds is small 
and chiefly in size, although the southern bird often has fewer 
white marks on the wing coverts. Other sub-species are found 
west of the Rockies. 


24 


SOUTHERN DOWNY WOODPECKER 
394. Dryobates pubescens. 6 inches. 


The male has a red nuchal patch while the female has none. 
Downies are one of the commonest of our Woodpeckers and are 
usually tame, allowing a very close approach before flying. 
They remain in orchards and open woods throughout the sum- 
mer, and in winter often come to the windows in places where 
they are fed, as many people are in the habit of doing now. 
Their food, as does that of nearly all the Woodpeckers, con- 
sists entirely of insects, grubs and larve. 

Note.—A sharp “peenk” or arapid series of the same note, 
usually not as loud as that of the Hairy Woodpecker. 

Nest.—In holes in trees in orchards or woods; the four to 
six white eggs being laid on the bare wood; size .75 x .60. 

Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf States. 

Sub-Species.—Northern Downy Woodpecker (medianus) 
North America east of the Rockies and north of the Carolinas. 
This variety is slightly larger than the southern, others are 
found west of the Rockies. 


25 








RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER 
395. Dryobates borealis. 8% inches 


Male with a small patch of scarlet on both sides of the head; 
female without. The actions and habits are very similar to 
those of the Downy. The birds can readily be identified at a 
distance by the cross-barring of white on the back. Their 
notes are harsher than those of the Downy and have more of 
the nasal quality, like those of the nuthatches. 

Range.—Southeastern United States, west of Texas and 
north to Virginia. 


TEXAN WOODPECKER 
396. Dryobates scalaris bairdi. 7% inches 


On account of its numerous cross-bars, this species is often 
known as the Ladder-backed Woodpecker. They are quite 
similar to the Nuttall Woodpecker that is found on the 
Pacific Coast, but differ in having the underparts brownish- 
white instead of white, and the outer tail feathers heavily 
barred. They are found from Texas to southeastern California 
and north to Colorado. Ey 


26 


ARCTIC THREE-TOED WOODPECKER 
400. Picoides arcticus. 9.5 inches 


Back glossy black, without any white. Only three toes, two 
in front and one behind. This is the most common of the two 
species found within the United States. They breed from the 
northern edge of the Union north to the limit of trees. 


AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER 
401. Picoides americanus. 8% inches 


Back barred with white; outer tail feathers barred with 
black; yellow crown patch on male mixed with white. Except 
on some of the higher mountain ranges these birds appear in 
the United States only during winter. They are very hardy. 
and commence nesting before snow leaves. : 

Note.—A shrill, loud, nasal shriek, sometimes repeated. — 

Nest.—In holes of trees as is usual with Woodpeckers. The > 
white eggs measure .95 x .70. : 





Q7 





YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 
402. Sphyrapicus varius. 8% inches 


Male with a scarlet crown and throat; female with a scarlet 
crown and white throat; young with the head and neck mottled 
gray and white, with a few scarlet feathers. 

This species has gained some ill-repute because of its sup- 
posed habit of boring through the bark of trees in order to get 
at the sap, and thus killing the trees. However, I very much 
doubt if they do any appreciable damage in this manner. I 
have watched a great many of them in the spring and fall and 
have clearly seen that they were feeding upon insects in the 
same way as the Downy. 

Note.—A loud whining ‘“‘whee,” and cther harsh calls 
similar to the scream of a Blue Jay. 

-  Nest.—In holes in trees, at heights from the ground varying 
from eight to fifty feet. Late in May they lay from four to 
seven white eggs (.85 x .60). 

Range.—U. S. east of the Rockies, breeding from Virginia 

and Missouri to Hudson Bay, and wintering in southern U. S. 


28 


PILEATED WOODPECKER 
405. Phleotomus pileatus. 17 inches 


Male with a scarlet crown and crest, and a red moustache or 
mark extending back from the bill; female with scarlet crest 
but a blackish forehead and no moustache. 

Next to the Ivory-bills, these are the largest of our Wood- 
peckers. Like that species it is very destructive to trees in its 
search for food. While engaged in this pursuit, they often drill 
large holes several inches into sound wood to reach the object 
of their search. Like all the Woodpeckers, they delight in 
playing tattoos on dry, resonant limbs with their bills. 

Note.—A whistled “cuk,” “cuk,” “cuk,” slowly repeated 
many times, also a ““wick-up” repeated several times. 

Nest.—In large cavities in trees, in which they lay four to six 
white eggs (1.30 x 1.00). 

Range.—Southern United States. The Northern Pileated 
Woodpecker (abietocola) is locally found in temperate N. A. 


29 








RED-HEADED WOODPECKER 
406. Melanerpes erytrocephalus. 9% inches 


Adults with entire head and breast red; young with a gray 
head and back, streaked with darker. 

This very handsome species is common and very well known 
in the Middle and Central States. They are the ruffians of the 
family, very noisy and quarrelsome. One of their worst 
traits is the devouring of the eggs and young of other birds. To 
partially offset this, they also eat insects and grubs and a great 
deal of fruit. 

Note.—A loud, whining “‘charr, 
ous other calls and imitations. 

Nest.—Holes in trees in woods, orchards, or along roadsides 
and also in fence posts or telegraph poles. In May and June 
they lay four to six glossy white eggs (1.00 x .75). 

Range.—United States east of the Rockies, breeding from 
the Gulf to New York and Minnesota. Winters in southern 
United States. 


99 66 


charr,” besides numer- 


30 


RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER 
409. Centurus carolinus. 94 inches 


Male with whole top of head and back of neck red; female 
with forehead and hind head red but crown gray. Both sexes 
have the centre of the belly reddish, and have red eyes. 

Like the Red-heads, these birds are noisy, but they have few 
of the bad qualities of the others. Besides the regular Wood- 
pecker fare, they get a great many ants and beetles from the 
ground and fruit and acorns from the trees. They are also 
said to be fond of orange juice. In most of their range they 
are regarded as rather shy and retiring birds. 

Note.—A sharp, resonant “cha,”’ “cha,” “‘cha,” repeated. 

Nest.—In holes bored usually in live trees and at any height 
from the ground. Their five or six eggs are glossy white 
(1.00 x .75). 

Range.—United States east of the Plains, breeding from 
Florida and Texas to southern Pennsylvania and Minnesota. 
Winters along the Gulf coast; occasionally strays to Massa- 
chusetts. 


31 


Seales | 
\ 








FLICKER 
412. Colaptes auratus. _13 inches 


Male with a black moustache mark; female without, al- 
though young females in the first plumage show some black. 

These birds are very often known as “‘Golden-winged Wood- 
peckers,” “‘High-holes” and about a hundred other names in 
different localities. Flickers are found commonly in woods, 
orchards, or trees by the roadside;on pleasant days their rapidly 
uttered, rolling whistle may be heard at all hours of the day. 

Note.—A rapidly repeated whistle, ‘“‘cuk,” “cuk,” “‘cuk”’; 
an emphatic “‘quit-u,” “‘quit-u,” and several others of a similar 
nature. 

Nest.—A cavity in a tree, at any distance from the ground. 
The white eggs usually vary in number from five to ten, but 
they have been known to lay as many as seventy-one, where an 
egg was taken from the nest each day. 

Range.—South Atlantic States. The Northern Flicker 
(luteus) is found in North America east of the Rocky Moun- 
tains. 


« 


RED-SHAFTED FLICKER 
413. Colaptes cafer collarts. 13 inches 


Crown brown and throat gray, these colors being just re- 
versed from those of the common Flicker. 

The male is distinguished by a red moustache mark, which 
the female lacks. The typical male Red-shafted Flicker lacks 
the red crescent on the back of the head, but it is often present 
on individuals, as there are numerous hybrids between this 
species and the preceding. Flickers are more terrestrial in 
their habits than are any other of the family; their food con- 
sists largely of ants which they get from the ground. 

Note.—Same as those of the last; both species often utter a 
purring whistle when they are startled from the ground. 

Nest.—The nesting habits are identical with those of the 
last and the eggs cannot be distinguished. 

Range.—From the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains 
to the Pacific. 


33 








CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW 


416. Antrostomus carolinensis. 12 inches 


Male with the end half of the outer tail feathers white, and 
the edge of the outer vanes rusty; female with no white ends to 
the feathers. Birds of this family have small bills but ex- 
tremely large mouths adapted to catching night-flying moths 
and other insects. They remain sleeping during the day, 
either perched lengthwise on a limb or concealed beside a 
stump or rock on the ground, their colors harmonizing with the 
surroundings in either case. They fly, of their own accord, 
only at dusk or in the early morning. This species, which is 
much the largest-of our Goatsuckers, is known to, at times, de- 
vour small birds, as such have been found in their stomachs. 

Note.—A loudly whistled and repeated ‘‘chuck-will’s- 


Nest.—None, the two eggs being laid on the ground or dead 
leaves in underbrush. Eggs white, blotched with gray and 
lavender (1.40 x 1.00). 

Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf States, breeding north to 
Virginia and Missouri, west to Texas. 


34 


WHIP-POOR-WILL 
417. Antrostomus vociferus. 9% inches 


Male with broad white tips to outer tail feathers; female with 
narrow buffy tips. These birds are often confounded with the 
Nighthawk, but are very easily distinguished by the long 
bristles from the base of bill, the black chin, the chestnut and 
black barred wing feathers and the rounded tail. Whip-poor- 
wills are more nocturnal than Nighthawks and on moonlight 
nights continue the whistled repetition of their name through- 
out the night. They capture and devour a great many of the 
large-bodied moths that are found in the woods, but are never 
seen flying over cities like Nighthawks. 

Note.—An emphatically whistled repetition of “ whip-poor- 
will,” “‘whip-poor-will.” 

Nest.—In June they lay two grayish or creamy white eggs 
(1.15 x .85), mottled with pale brown, gray and lilac. These 
are deposited on the ground in woods. 

Range.—East of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to Mani- 
toba and New Brunswick. Winters south of the United States. 


35 








POOR-WILL 
418. Phalenoptilus nuttalli. 7% inches 


The female of this beautiful little Night-jar difers from the 
male only in having narrow buffy tips to the outer tail feathers: 
instead of broad white ones. Like all the members of this 
family these birds are dusk fliers, remaining at rest on the 
ground in daylight. Their frosted gray plumage harmonizes 
so perfectly with their surroundings that it is almost impossible 
to see them. Their eggs are nearly immaculate, but usually 
show traces of the lavender blotches that mark others of the 
family. Their call is a mournful “poor-will-ee.” They are 
found from the Plains to the Pacific, but are not common east 


of the Rockies. 
MERRILL-PARAQUE 
419. Nyctidromus albicollis merrilli. 13 inches 


As usual with birds of this family, sexual difference in the 
plumage occurs chiefly on the tips of the outer tail feathers. 
These birds are common in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in 
Texas. Their eggs differ from any of the preceding in having a 
salmon-colored ground. 


36 


NIGHTHAWK 
420. Chordeiles virginianus. 10 inches 


Male with white throat and white band across tail; female with 
rusty throat and no white on tail. Notice that the Nighthawk 
has a forked tail and white band across the wings, thus being 
readily distinguished at a distance from the Whip-poor-will. 

Note.—A loud nasal “‘peent.”’ 

Nest.—None, the two mottled gray and white eggs being 
laid on bare rocks in pastures on the ground or underbrush, or 
on gravel roofs in cities; size 1.20 x .85. 

Range.—United States east of the Plains, breeding from 
Florida to Labrador; winters south of United States. Three 
sub-species occur: 420a._ Western Nighthawk (henryi), west 
of the Plains; 420b. Florida Nighthawk (chapmani); 420c. 
Sennett Nighthawk (sennetti), a pale race found on the Plains 
north to Saskatchewan. 


TEXAN NIGHTHAWK 


421. Chordeiles acutipennis texrensis 
This species is found in southern Texas and New Mexico. 
It differs from the last in having the primaries spotted with 
rusty, like those of the whip-poor-will. 


37 








CHIMNEY SWIFT 
423. Chetura pelagica. 5% inches 


Unused chimneys of old dwellings make favorite roosting and 
nesting places for these smoke-colored birds. They originally 
dwelt in hollow trees until the advent of man furnished more 
convenient places, although we would scarcely consider the soot- 
lined brick surface as good as a clean hollow tree. Spines on 
the end of each tail feather enable them to hang to their upright 
walls, and to slowly hitch their way to the outer world. 
Throughout the day numbers of them are scouring the air for 
their fare of insects, but as night approaches, they return to the 
chimney. 

Note.—A continuous and not unmusical twittering uttered 
while on the wing and also within the depths of the chimney. 

Nest.—Made of small twigs or sticks glued to the sides of a 
chimney and each other by the bird’s saliva. The three to 
five white eggs are long and narrow (.75 x .50). 

Range.—N. A. east to the Plains, breeding from Florida to 
Labrador; winters south of U. S. 





38 


WHITE-THROATED SWIFT 
425. Aeronautes melanoleucus. 6% inches 


This beautiful swift is one of the most graceful of winged 
creatures. Its flight is extremely rapid and its evolutions re- 
markable. They nest in communities, thousands of them 
often congregating about the tops of inaccessible cliffs, in the 
crevices of which they make their homes. No bird has a more 
appropriate generic name than this species—*‘aeronautes,” 
meaning sailor of the air; he is a sailor of the air and a complete 
master of the art. 

Note.—Loud, shrill twittering, uttered chiefly while on the 
wing. 

Nest.—Placed at the end of burrows in earthy cliffs or as far 
back as possible between crevices in rocks; usually in inacces- 
sible places and as high as possible from the ground. It is a 
saucer-shaped structure made of vegetable materials cemented 
together with saliva, and lined with feathers. The four white 
eggs measure .87 x .52. 

Range.—From the eastern foothills of the Rockies to the 
Pacific; north to Montana and northern California. 


39 








RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD 
428. Archilochus colubris. 34 inches 


This little gem is the only one of the family found within the 
territory included in this book. Owners of flower gardens have 
the best opportunities to study these winged jewels, on their 
many trips to and fro for honey, or the insects that are also at- 
tracted thereby. With whirring wings, they remain suspended 
before a blossom, then—buzz—and they are examining the 
next, with bill lost within the sweet depths. Their temper is all 
out of proportion to their size, for they will dash at an intruder 
about their moss-covered home as though they would pierce 
him like a bullet. Their angry twitters and squeaks are amus- 
ing and surprising, as are their excitable actions. 

Nest.—A most beautiful creation of plant fibres and cob- 
webs adorned with lichens and resembling a little tuft of moss 
upon the bough on which it is placed. In June two tiny white 
eggs are laid (.50 x .35). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf 
north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters south of U. S. 


40 


SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER 
443. Muscivora forficata. 144 inches 


This pretty creature is the most graceful in appearance of the 
Flycatcher family if not of the whole order, of perching birds. 
In the southwest it is frequently known as the ““Texan Bird of 
Paradise.” Its habits are very much like those of the King- 
bird; as it gracefully swings through the air in pursuit of in- 
sects, it frequently opens and shuts its scissor-like tail. They 
are usually found in open country or on the borders of wood- 
land. They rarely alight on the ground, for their long tails 
make them walk very awkwardly, but when they are a-wing 
they are the embodiment of grace. 

Note.—A shrill “tzip,” “‘tzip,” similar to notes of Kingbirds. 

Nest.—Quite large; built of all kinds of trash, such as twigs, 
grasses, paper, rags, string, etc.; placed in any kind of a tree or 
bush and at any height. The four or five creamy white eggs 
are spotted with brown (.90 x .67). 

Range.—Breeds from Texas north to Kansas; winters south 
of U.S 


41 


Preset 








KINGBIRD 
444, Tyrannus tyrannus. 8} inches 


Adults with a concealed orange crown patch; young with 
none. From the time of their arrival in May until they leave 
us in August, Kingbirds are much in evidence in farmyards and 
orchards. They are one of the most noisy birds, always 
quarreling about something, and usually coming off victorious 
in whatever they may undertake. Crows are objects of hatred 
to them, and they always drive them from the neighborhood, 
vigorously dashing upon and pecking them from above and 
often following them for a great distance. They have their 
favorite perches from which they watch for insects, usually a 
dead branch, a fence post, or a tall stalk in the field. 

Note.—A series of shrill, harsh sounds like “ thsee,”’ “‘ thsee.”’ 

Nest.—Of sticks, rootlets, grass, string, etc., placed in 
orchard trees or open woods at any height. Four or five 
creamy white eggs, speckled and spotted with reddish brown 
(.95 x .70). 

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf to southern Canada. 


42 


GRAY KINGBIRD 
445. Tyrannus dominicensis. 9 inches 


Differs from the common Kingbird in being larger and gray" 
above; has black ear coverts, nd no white up to tail. 

Like the last species, these are very noisy and pugnacious, 
and rule their domains with the hand of a tyrant. After they 
have mated they quarrel very little among themselves, and 
often several may use the same lookout twig from which to 
dash after passing flies or moths. 

Note.—A rapidly repeated, shrill shriek: ‘“‘pe-che-ri,” 
““pe-che-ri.” 

Nest.—Rather more shabbily built but of the same ma- 
terials as those used by our common Kingbird. Placed in all 
kinds of trees, but more often in mangroves, where they are 
commonly found. Three to five pinkish-white eggs, profusely 
blotched with brown (1.00 x .72). 

Range.—West Indies and Florida, Georgia and South 
Carolina. Winters in the West Indies and Central America. 


43 








ARKANSAS KINGBIRD 
447. Tyrannus verticalis. 9 inches 


These tyrant Flycatchers are abundant west of the Missis- 
sippi, where they are often, and perhaps more aptly, known as 
the Western Kingbirds. If possible, they are even more noisy 
and pugnacious than the eastern species. They have a great 
variety of notes, all rather unpleasant to the ear. Their food, 
like that of the other Kingbirds, consists of moths, butterflies, 
ants, grasshoppers, crickets, etc., etc., most of which they catch 
on the wing. 

Note.—A shrill, metallic squeak; a low twittering and a 
harsh, discordant scream, all impossible to print. 

Nest.—Quite large and clumsily made of paper, rags, twigs, 
rootlets, and grasses, placed in all sorts of locations, frequently 
in eave troughs or above windows. ‘The eggs are creamy white, 
spotted with brown (.95 x .65). 

Range.—Western United States, breeding from Texas to 
Manitoba and west to the Pacific; winters south of U.S. 


44 


DERBY FLYCATCHER 


449, Pitangus sulphuratus derbianus. 10% inches 


This imposing Flycatcher is the largest of the family that is 
found in North America. As usual with members of the family 
it is of a quarrelsome disposition, but hardly so much so as 
either the common or Arkansas Kingbirds. Their large heavy 
bodies render them considerably less active than the smaller 
members of the family. On account of the size of the head and 
bill, they are often known as Bull-headed Flycatchers. 

Note.—Very varied, but similar in character to those of the 
eastern Kingbird. 

Nest.—It is said to build its nest at low elevations in trees or 
in thorny bushes—a large structure of twigs and rubbish with 
an entrance on the side. The three to five eggs have a cream- 
colored ground and are prominently specked about the large 
end with brown (1.15 x .82). 

Range.—A Mexican species that is fairly common in the 
Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. 


45 








CRESTED FLYCATCHER 
452. Myiarchus crinitus. 9 inches 


These large Flycatchers are very noisy in the mating season, 
but their notes are rather more musical than those of the King- 
birds. They appear to be of a quarrelsome disposition, for 
rarely will more than one pair be found in a single piece of 
woods. They also frequently chase smaller birds, but never 
attack larger ones, as do the Kingbirds. They have a queer 
habit of placing a piece of snakeskin in the hole in which their 
nest is located, for what purpose, unless to scare away in- 
truders, is not known, but it seems to be a universal practice. 

Note.—A clear whistle, “‘wit-whit,” “‘wit-whit,”’ repeated 
several times. This is the most common call; they have many 
others less musical. 

Nest.—Of straw, etc., in holes of dead limbs. Eggs four to 
six in number; buffy white, streaked and blotched with brown. 

Range.—Eastern N. A. from the Plains to the Atlantic, 
breeding north to southern Canada. 


46 


PHBE 
456. Sayornis phebe. 7 inches 


A Pheebe is always associated, in my mind, with old bridges 
and bubbling brooks. Nearly every bridge which is at all 
adapted for the purpose has its Phoebe home beneath it, to 
which the same pair of birds will return year after year, some- 
times building a new nest, something repairing the old. They 
seem to be of a nervous temperament, for, as they sit upon 
their usual lookout perch, their tails are continually twitching 
as though in anticipation of the insects that are sure to pass 
sooner or later. 

Note.—A jerky, emphatic “phoe-be,”’ with the accent on the 
second syllable, and still further accented by a vigorous flirt of 
the tail. 

Nest.—Of mud, grasses, and moss, plastered to the sides of 
beams or logs under bridges, culverts, or barns. In May or 
June four or five white eggs are laid (.75 x .55). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, north to southern 
Canada; winters in southern U. S. and southward. 


47 








OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER 
459. Nuttallornis borealis. 4 inches 


These birds can scarcely be called common anywhere, but 
single pairs of them may be found, in their breeding range, in 
suitable pieces of woodland. I have always found them in 
dead pine swamps, where the trees were covered with hanging 
moss, making it very difficult to locate their small nests. Their 
peculiar, loud, clear whistle can be heard for a long distance 
and serves as a guide-board to their location. 

Note.—A loud, clear whistle, “whip-wheeu,” the first 
syllable short and sharp, the last long and drawn out into a 
plaintive ending. 

Nest.—A small structure for the size of the bird, made of 
twigs and mosses firmly anchored to horizontal limbs or forks. 
Three to five eggs are laid; a rich creamy ground, spotted about 
the large end with brown and lavender (.85 x .65). 

Range.—N. A., breeding from the latitude of Massachu- 
setts, and farther south in mountainous regions, north to Labra-— 
dor and Alaska. 


48 


WOOD PEWEE 
461. Myrochanes virens. 6% inches 


In life, the Pewee can best be distinguished from the larger 
Pheebe, with which it is often confounded, by its sad, plaintive 
““pe-ah-wee,”’ ““pee-wee” which is strikingly different from the 
brusque call of the Phoebe. Pewees are also found more in 
high, dry woods where they build their little moss-covered 
homes on horizontal boughs at quite a height from the ground. 
Like the other Flycatchers they always perch on dead twigs, 
where their view is as l‘ttle obstructed as possible. 

Note.—A clear, plaintive whistle, “‘pe-ah-whee,” “pee- 
wee. 

Nest.—One of the most exquisite of bird creations, com- 
posed of plant fibres quilted together and ornamented with 
rock lichens; situated at varying heights on horizontal limbs, 
preferably oak or chestnut, and sometimes in apple trees in 
orchards. Eggs creamy white, specked with brown (.80 x .55). 

Range.—U. S. from the Plains to the Atlantic and north to 
Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in Central America. 


49 








YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER 
463. Empidonaz flaviventris. 53 inches 


These strange little Flycatchers are found in swamps such as 
those usually frequented by Olive-sided Flycatchers and Parula 
|; Warblers. They are one of the few of the family to nest on the 

: ground or very close to it. ‘Their homes are made in the moss- 
covered mounds or stumps found in these swamps. 

Range.—N. A. east of the Plains north to Labrador, breed- 
ing from northern U. 8S. northward. 


GREEN-CRESTED OR ACADIAN FLYCATCHER 
465. Empidonax virescens. 5% inches 


This bird is very similar to the last, but the lower mandible 
is light, and the throat and belly white. Their favorite resorts 
are shady woods not far from’ water. Here they nest in the 
outer branches of bushes, or trees at heights of from four to 
_ twenty feet from the ground. The nests are shallow and com- 
" posed of twigs and moss. Eggs creamy with brown spots. 

Range.—U. S. east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to 
New England and Manitoba; winters in the Tropics. 


50 


ALDER FLYCATCHER 
466a. Empidonas traillt alnorum. 6 inches. 


This species is very similar to, but larger, than the well- 
known Least Flycatcher or Chebec. They are found in 
swampy pastures or around the edges of ponds or lakes, where 
they nest in low bushes. 

Range.—U. 5S. east of the Mississippi, breeding from New 
York to New Brunswick. 


LEAST FLYCATCHER 
467. Empidonax minimus. 53 inches 


Smaller than the last and with the tail slightly forked. 
Common everywhere in orchards, swamps, or along roadsides. 
They are very often known by the name of ‘‘ Chebec,”’ because 
their notes resemble that word. Their nests are placed in up- 
right forks of any kind of trees or bushes; they are made of 
plant fibres and grasses closely felted together. The eggs 
range from three to five in number and are creamy white, with- 
out markings; size .65 x .50. 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from middle 
U.S. north to New Brunswick and Manitoba. 


51 








VERMILION FLYCATCHER 
471. Pyrocephalus rubinus mexicanus. 6 inches 


Female with only a slight tinge of pink, where the male is 
brilliant vermilion. 

This is the most gorgeously plumed species of the American 
Flycatchers. It has all the active traits of the family and, to 
those who are only accustomed to the demure gray plumage of 
most eastern species, the first sight of this one as he dashes after 
an insect is a sight never to be forgotten. 

Note.—During the mating season the male often gives a 
twittering song while poised in the air, accompanying it by loud 
snapping of the mandibles. 

Nest.—Saddled on limbs of trees at low elevations from the 
ground; composed of small twigs and vegetable fibres closely 
felted together and often adorned on the outside with lichens 
similar to the nests of the Wood Pewee. The four eggs are of a 
creamy-buff color with bold spots of brown and lilac, in a 
wreath around the large end (.73 x .54). 

Range.—Mexican border of the United States, from Texas 
to Arizona. 


52 - 


HORNED LARK 
A474. Otocoris alpestris. 7% inches 


This variety, which is larger than its sub-species, is only 
found in the U. 5. in winter, but several of the sub-species are 
residents in our limits. During the mating season they have a 
sweet song that is uttered on the wing, like that of the Bobo- 
link. 

Note.—Alarm note and call a whistled “‘tseet, 
song a low, sweet, and continued warble. 

Nest.—A hollow in the ground lined with grass; placed in 
fields ard usually partially concealed by an overhanging sod or 
stone. The three to five eggs have a grayish ground color and 
are profusely specked and blotched with gray and brownish 
(.85 x .60). 

Range.—Breeds in Labrador and about Hudson Bay; south 
in winter to South Carolina and Illinois. 

Sub-Species.—474b. Prairie Horned Lark (praticola). A 
paler form usually with the line over the eye white, found in 
the Mississippi Valley. 474c. Desert Horned Lark (leucolzema). 
Paler and less distinctly streaked above than the Prairie; found 
west of the Mississippi and north to Alberta. 


53 


99 «66 


tseet’’; 








AMERICAN MAGPIE 
A475. Pica pica hudsonia. 20 inches 


This handsome member of the Crow family is sure to attract 
the attention of all who may seehim. He is very pert in all his 
actions, both in trees and on the ground, and is always ready 
for mischief. In a high wind their long tail often makes travel- 
ing a laborious operation for them, and at such times they 
usually remain quite quiet. They are very impudent and al- 
ways on the lookout for something to steal; they are also very 
noisy and forever scolding and chattering among themselves. 

Note.—A loud, harsh “cack,” ‘“‘cack,’ and an endless 
variety of whistles and imitations. 

Nest.—A large, globular heap of sticks placed in bushes or 
trees from four to fifty feet from the ground. The entrance to 
the nest is on one side and the interior is made of grass and 
mud. The four to six eggs are white, thickly specked with 
yellowish brown (1.25 x .90). 

‘Range.—Western North America, east to the Plains and 
north to Alaska; resident. 


54 : 


BLUE JAY 
477. Cyanocitta cristata. 114 inches 


These are one of the best known and most beautiful birds 
that we have, but, unfortunately, they have a very bad reputa- 
tion. They often rob other birds of their eggs and young: as 
well as food and nesting material. They are very active birds 
and are always engaged in gathering food, usually acorns or 
other nuts, and hiding them away for future use. 

Note.—A_ two-syllabled whistle or a harsh, discordant 
scream. Besides these two common notes they make an end- 
less variety of sounds mimicking other birds. 

Nest.—Of twigs and sticks in bushes or low trees, preferably 
young pines. The four eggs are pale greenish blue specked 
with brown (1.10 x .80). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies from the Gulf to Lab- 
rador, resident in the U.S. The Florida Blue Jay (florincola) 
is smaller and has less white on wings and tail. 


(i 


or 
Or 








FLORIDA JAY 
479. Aphelocoma cyanea. 11% inches 


This Jay is locally distributed chiefly in the southern parts of 
Florida, being found principally in scrub oaks. Like the Blue 
Jay, their food consists of animal matter and some seeds, 
berries, and acorns. Their habits are very similar to those of 
the northern bird and their calls resemble those of our bird,too. 
They are rather slow in flight and pass a great deal of their time 
upon the ground. 

Note.—A ‘“‘jay,” “‘jay,” similar to that of the Blue Jay, 
and a great variety of other calls. 

Nest.—In the latter part of March and in April they build 
their flat nests of twigs, usually in bushes or scrub oaks, and 
lay three or four greenish-blue eggs, with brown spots, size 
1.05 x .80. 

Range.—Middle and southern portions of Florida chiefly 
along the coasts. 





56 


GREEN JAY 
483. Xanthoura luxuosa glaucescens. 12 inches 


These Jays are very beautiful, and we are sorry to have to 
admit that, like all the other members of the family, they are 
merciless in their treatment of smaller birds. During the 
summer their diet consists of raw eggs with young birds “‘on 
the side,”’ or vice versa; later they live upon nuts, berries, in- 
sects; in fact, anything that is edible. 

Note.—Practically unlimited, being imitations of those of 
most of the birds in the vicinity. 

Nest.—Not easily found, as it is usually concealed in dense 
thickets. The nests are like those of other Jays, loosely made 
of twigs and lined with black rootlets. The four eggs that are 
laid in May have a grayish ground color and are thickly 
spotted with several shades of brown and lilac. They measure 
1.05 x .80. 

Range.—Fairly common in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in 
southern Texas. 


57 








CANADA JAY 
484. Perisoreus canadensis. 114 inches 


These birds are well known to hunters, trappers, and campers 
in the northern woods. ‘They are great friends, especially of 
the lumbermen, as some of the pranks that they play serve to 
enliven an otherwise tedious day. ‘They seem to be devoid of 
fear and enter camp and carry off everything, edible or not, 
that they can get hold of. ‘They are called by guides and lum- 
bermen by various names, such as Whiskey Jack, Moose 
Bird, ete. 

Note.—A harsh “‘ca-ca-ca,”’ and various other sounds. 

Nest.—Usually in coniferous trees at low elevations; made 
of twigs, moss, and feathers, The three or four eggs are gray, 
specked and spotted with darker (1.15 x .80). They nest 
early, usually before the snow begins to leave the ground and 
often when the mercury is below zero. 

Range.—Eastern North America from northern United 
. States northward. 484c. Labrador Jay (nigricapillus), which 
is found in Labrador, has the black on the hind head deeper and 
extending forward around the eye. 





58 


NORTHERN RAVEN 
486a. Corvus corax principalis. 25 inches 

The habits of all the ravens and crows are identical and are 
too well known to need mention. They are all very destruc- 
tive to young birds and eggs. ‘The Raven can be known by its 
large size, its very large bill, and lanceolate feathers on the 
throat. They are found in the mountains from Georgia and on 
the coast from Maine northward. 


WHITE-NECKED RAVEN 
487. Corvus cryptoleucus. 18} inches 
This species has the bases of the feathers on the back of the 
neck white. Found in southwestern United States. 


AMERICAN CROW 
488. Corvus brachyrhynchos. 19 inches 
The common Crow of North America, replaced in Florida by 
the very similar Florida Crow (pascuus). 


FISH CROW 
490. Corvus ossifragus. 16 inches 


This small species is found on the Atlantic Coast north to 
Massachusetts. 


59 








CLARKE NUTCRACKER 
491. Nucifraga columbiana. 12% inches 


Clarke Crows are found abundantly in all coniferous forest 
on the higher mountains in their range. They are very pe- 
culiar birds, having some of the traits of Woodpeckers, but 
more of those of the Jays. 

They are very active, very noisy, and very inquisitive, shar- 
ing with the Rocky Mountain Jay the names of ‘““Camp Rob- 
ber,” ‘‘Moose Bird,” etc. They are great travellers and may, 
one season, be absent where they were abundant the preceding 
one. , 

Note.—Various calls and imitations like those of all others 
of the Jay family. 

Nest.—Of sticks, at high elevations on horizontal boughs of 
coniferous trees. The four eggs have a pale greenish-gray 
ground, thickly sprinkled with darker (1.25 x .92). 

Range.—Mountains of western North America, casually 
east to Kansas, 


60 


STARLING 
493. Sturnus vulgaris. 8% inches 


Plumage metallic green and purple, heavily spotted above 
and below with buffy or white. 

These European birds were introduced into New York a 
number of years ago, and are now common there and spreading 
to other localities in Connecticut and about New York City. 
They live about the streets and in the parks, building their 
nests in crevices of buildings and especially in the framework of 
the elevated railroads of the city, and less often in trees. They 
lay from four to six pale-blue, unspotted eggs (1.15 x .85). 
How they will affect other bird life, in case they eventually be- 
come common throughout the country, is a matter of conjec- 
ture, but from what I have seen of them they are quarrelsome 
and are masters of the English Sparrow, and may continue their 
domineering tactics to the extent of driving more of our song 
birds from the cities. 


61 








BOBOLINK 
494, Dolichonyx oryzivorus. 7% inches 


Bobolinks are to be found in rich grass meadows, from 
whence their sweet, wild music is often borne to us by the 
breeze. While his mate is feeding in the grass or attending to 
their domestic affairs, Mr. Bobolink is usually to be found 
perched on the tip of a tree, weed stalk, or even on a tall blade 
of grass, if no other spot of vantage is available, singing while he 
stands guard to see that no enemies approach. He is a good 
watchman and it is a difficult matter to flush his mate from the 
nest, for she leaves at his first warning. 

Song.—A wild, sweet, rippling repetition of his name with 
many additional trills and notes. Alarm note a harsh ‘‘chah” 
like that of the Blackbird. 

Nest.—Of grasses in a hollow on the ground, in meadows. 
They lay four to six eggs with a white ground color, heavily 
spotted, clouded and blotched with brown (.85 x .62). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from New 
Jersey and Kansas-north to Manitoba and New Brunswick; 
winters in South America. 


62 


COWBIRD 
495. Molothrus ater. '7% inches 


Male glossy greenish black, with a brown head; female and 
young, dull gray. 

Groups of these birds are often seen walking sedately about 
among the cows in the pasture, hence their name. They are 
the only birds that we have that neither make a nest of their 
own nor care for their young. The female slyly deposits her 
egg in the nest of a smaller bird when the owner is absent, leav- 
ing further care of it to its new owner. Warblers, Sparrows, 
and Vireos seem to be most imposed upon in this manner. 

Notes.—A low ‘“‘chack,” and by the male a liquid, wiry 
squeak accompanied by a spreading of the wings and tail. 

Range.—U. S., chiefly east of the Rockies, breeding from 
the Gulf to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in southern 
U.S. <A sub-species, the Dwarf Cowbird (obscurus), is found 
in southwestern United, States; it is slightly smaller. 


63 








YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD 
497. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. 10 inches 


Male black, with head and breast bright yellow; female more 
brownish and with head paler and mixed with brown. 

These handsome birds are common locally on the prairies, 
frequenting sloughs and extensive marshes and borders of lakes. 
They are very sociable birds and breed in large colonies, some- 
times composed of thousands of birds. 

Notes.—A harsh “‘chack,” and what is intended for a song, 
consisting of numerous, queer-sounding squeaks, they being 
produced during seemingly painful contortions of the singer. 

Nest.—Of rushes woven around upright canes over water, 
in ponds and sloughs. The nest is placed at from four inches 
to two feet from the water and is quite deep inside. The 
four to six eggs are grayish, profusely specked with pale brown 
(1.00 x .70). 

Range.—U. S., chiefly west of the Mississippi, north to 
British Columbia and Hudson Bay; winters on southwestern 
border of the U.S. 


64 


RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD 
498. Agelaius pheniceus. 9% inches 


Male black, with scarlet and buff shoulders; female brownish 
black above and streaked below. Nearly all our ponds or wet 
meadows have their pair or colony of. Blackbirds. 

Note.—A harsh cack; a pleasing liquid song, “conk-err-ee,”’ 
given with much bowing and spreading of the wings and tail. 

Nest.—Usually at low elevations in bushes, in swamps or 
around the edges of ponds or frequently on the ground or on 
hummocks in wet pastures. The nest is made of woven 
grasses and rushes, and is usually partially suspended from the 
rim when placed in bushes. The three to five eggs are bluish 
white, scrawled, chiefly around the large end, with blackish 
(1.00 x .70). 

Range.—FKast of the Rockies, breeding north to Manitoba 
and New Brunswick; winters in southern U. 

Sub-Species. —498b. Bahaman Redwing (bryanti). 498c. 
Florida Redwing (floridanus). 


65 








MEADOWLARK 
501. Sturnella magna. 10% inches 


Meadowlarks are familiar friends of the hillside and meadow; 
their clear fife-like whistle is often heard, while they are 
perched on a fence-post or tree-top, as well as their sputtering 
alarm note when they fly up before us as we cross the field. 

Song.—A clear, flute-like “‘tseeu-tseeer,” and a rapid 
sputtering alarm note. 

Nest.—Of grasses, on the ground in fields, usually partially 
arched over. Three to five white eggs specked with brown 
(1.10 x .80). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Plains and north to southern 
Canada; winters from Massachusetts and Illinois southward. 

Sub-Species.—501.1. Western Meadowlark (neglecta). 
This race has the yellow on the throat e :tended on the sides; its 
song is much more brilliant and varied than the eastern bird. It 
is found from the Plains to the Pacific. 501c. Florida Meadow- 
lark (argutula) is smaller and darker than the common. 


66 


AUDUBON ORIOLE 
503. Icterus melanocephalus audubonit. 9% inches 


Within the United States these large Orioles are found only 
in southern Texas. They are not uncommon there and are resi- 
dent. ‘Their notes are loud, mellow whistles like those of the 
other Orioles. Their nests are semi-pensile and usually placed 
in mesquite trees not more than ten or fifteen feet from the 
ground. 


SCOTT ORIOLE 
504. Icterus parisorum. 8 inches 


These beautiful birds are found in southwestern United 
States, from California to western Texas. 

They are said to sing more freely than other members of the 
family, but the song, while loud and clear, is of short duration. 
Their nests, which are semi-pensile, are often placed in giant 
yucca trees, or in vines that are suspended from cacti. The 
three or four eggs are pale blue, scrawled and spotted with 
black and lavender (.95 x .65). 


67 








HOODED ORIOLE 
505. Icterus cucullatus sennettt. 8 inches 


This very brilliantly plumaged Oriole is, perhaps, the most 
abundant of the family in southern Texas. It is not as shy a 
bird as the two preceding species and is more often found in the 
neighborhood of houses. 

With the exception of a few kinds of fruits, their food con- 
sists almost entirely of insects; all the Orioles are regarded as 
among our most beneficial birds. 

Note.—A harsher and more grating whistle than that of 
most of the Orioles. 

Nest.—Usually in bunches of hanging moss, being made by 
hollowing out and matting the moss together and lining it with 
finer wiry moss. Others are placed in yucca trees, such nests 
being made of the fiber of the tree. Eggs dull white, scrawled 
about the large end with black and lavender (.85 x .60). 

Range.—Found only in southern Texas. <A _ sub-species 
(nelsoni) is found in New Mexico, Arizona, and southern 
California. 


68 


ORCHARD ORIOLE 
506. Icterus spurius. 7 inches 


Male chestnut and black; female dull yellowish and gray; 
young male, second year, like female, but with black face and 
throat. These Orioles are usually found in open country and, 
as their name suggests, have a preference for orchards. They 
are also found abundantly in shrubbery along streams and 
roadsides. ‘They feed chiefly upon worms, caterpillars, beetles, 
grasshoppers, etc., and are one of the mest beneficial birds that 
we have. 

Song.—A rich, loud, and rapid warble, cheery and pleasing 
but impossible to describe; a chattering note of alarm. 

Nest.—A beautiful basket of grasses woven into a deeply 
cupped ball and situated in forks of trees or bushes; often they 
are made of green grasses. Four to six white eggs, specked, 
scrawled and spotted with black and brown (.80 x .55). 

Range.—U. S. east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to 
Massachusetts and Michigan; winters in Central America. 


69 








BALTIMORE ORIOLE 
507. Icterus galbula. '7} inches 


Male orange and black; female dull yellowish and gray. 

They are sociable birds and seem to like the company of man- 
kind, for their nests are, from choice, built as near as possible to 
houses, often being where they can be reached from windows. 
As they use a great deal of string in the construction of their 
nests, children often get amusement by placing bright-colored 
pieces of yarn where the birds will get them, and watch them 
weave them into their homes. 

Song.—A clear, querulous, varied whistle or warble; call, a 
plaintive whistle. 

Nest.—A pensile structure, often hanging eight or ten inches 
below the supporting rim, and swaying to and fro with every 
breeze. They lay five or six white eggs, curiously scrawled with 
blackish brown (.90 x .60). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies and breeding north to 
New Brunswick and Manitoba. Winters in Central America. 


70 


RUSTY BLACKBIRD 
509. Euphagus carolinus. 9% inches 


Male glossy black, female grayish; both sexes in winter with 
most of the head and breast feathers tipped with rusty. In the 
United States we know these birds chiefly as emigrants; but a 
few of them remain to breed in the Northern parts. Their 
songs are rather squeaky efforts, but still not unmusical. 
These birds are found east of the Rockies. 


BREWER BLACKBIRD 
510. Euphagus cyanocephalus. 10 inches 


Male with a glossy purplish head and greenish black body; 
female grayish brown. This is the Western representative of 
the preceding; it is most abundant west of the Rockies, but is 
also found on the Plains. Its distribution is not so northerly 
and it nests commonly in its United States range. Their eggs 
are whitish, very profusely spotted and blotched with various 
shades of brown (1.00 x .75). 


71 








PURPLE GRACKLE 
511. Quiscalus quiscula. 12 inches 

Male with purple head and greenish back; female brownish 
gray. All the Grackles are very similar in appearance, the 
colors varying with different individuals of the same species. 
Their habits are alike, too, and I consider them one of the most 
destructive of our birds. 

Note.—A harsh “‘tchack,”’ and a squeaky song. 

Nest.—Of sticks and twigs, usually in pines in the North and 
bushes in the South. Four eggs, pale bluish gray with black 
scrawls (1.10 x .80). 

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding north to Mass. 

Sub-Species.—5lla. Florida Grackle (agleeus), slightly 
smaller. 511b. Bronzed Grackle (zeneus), with a purple head 
and usually a brassy back. Eastern U. S., breeding north to 
Labrador and Manitoba. 


BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE 
513. Megaquiscalus major. 15 inches 
Similar in color to the last but much larger, and having the 
same habits. Eggs also larger (1.25 x .95). Southeastern 
U.S. The Great-tailed Grackle (macrourus), found in Texas, 
is still larger. 


72 


EVENING GROSBEAK 
514. Hesperiphona vespertina. 8 inches 


Female paler and with white on upper tail coverts. As would 
be judged from the large bills that these birds have, their food 
consists almost entirely of seeds, with occasionally a few berries 
and perhaps insects. In certain localities they are not un- 
common, but, except in winter, they are rare anywhere in the 
U.S., and east of the Mississippi they can only be regarded as 
accidental even in winter. They have been taken several 
times in Massachusetts. In winter they usually travel about in 
small bands, visiting localities where the food supply is the most 
abundant. 

Song.—A clear, Robin-like whistle; call, a short whistle. 

Nest.—A flat structure of twigs and rootlets placed at low 
elevations in trees or bushes. Four eggs, greenish white, 
spotted with brown (.90 x .65). 

Range.—Breeds in mountains of western British America 
and northwestern U.S. South and east in winter to the Mis- 
sissippi and rarely farther. 


73 








PINE GROSBEAK > 
515. Pinicola enucleator leucura. 84 inches 


Male rosy red; female gray and yellowish. 

These pretty birds visit us every winter, coming from Can- 
ada and northern New England, where they are found in sum- 
mer. They are very fearless birds and might almost be 
regarded as stupid; when they are feeding you can easily ap- 
proach within a few feet of them, and they have often been 
caught in butterfly nets. They may, at times, be found in any 
kind of trees or woods, but they show a preference for small- 
growth pines, where they feed upon the seeds and upon seeds 
of weeds that. project above the snow. 

Song.—A low sweet warble; call, a clear, repeated whistle. 

Nest.—In. coniferous trees, of twigs, rootlets and strips of 
bark; eggs three to four in number, greenish blue spotted with 
brown and lilac (1.00 x .70). 

Range.—Breeds in eastern British America and northern 
New England; winters south to New York and Ohio. Several 
sub-species are found west of the Rockies. 





74 


PURPLE FINCH 
517. Carpodacus purpureus. 6% inches 


Male dull rosy red; female streaked brownish gray. 

These beautiful songsters are common in the northern tier of 
states and in Canada. In spring the males are usually seen on, 
or heard from, tree tops in orchards or parks, giving forth their 
glad carols. They are especially musical in spring when the 
snow is just leaving the ground and the air is bracing. After 
family cares come upon them, they are quite silent, the male 
only occasionally indulging in a burst of song. 

Song.—A loud, long-continued, and very sweet warble; call, 
a querulous whistle. 

Nest.—Of strips of bark, twigs, rootlets and grasses, placed 
at any height in evergreens or orchard trees. The eggs re- 
semble, somewhat, large specimens of those of the Chipping 
Sparrow. They are three or four in number and are greenish 
blue with streng blackish specks (.85 x .65). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from Pennsyl- 
vania and Illinois northward; winters throughout the United 
States. 


75 








AMERICAN CROSSBILL 
521. Lovzia curvirostra minor. 6 inches 


These curious creatures appear in flocks on the outskirts of 
our cities every winter, where they will be found almost ex- 
clusively in coniferous trees. They cling to the cones, upon 
which they are feeding, in every conceivable attitude, and a 
shower of seeds and broken cones rattling through the branches 
below shows that they are busily working. They are very 
eccentric birds and the whole flock often takes flight, without 
apparent cause, only to circle about again to the same trees. 
The flute-like whistle that they utter when in flight sounds quite 
pleasing when coming from all the individuals in the flock. 

Song.—A low twittering; call, a short, flute-like whistle. 

Nest.—In coniferous trees, of spruce twigs, shreds of bark 
and some moss or grass. ‘The three or four eggs are greenish 
white spotted with brown (.75 x .55). 

Range.—Breeds from northern New England northward 
and westward, and south in mountains to Georgia; winters in 


the northern half of the U.S. 


76 


WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL 
522. Loxia leucoptera. 6 inches 


Male, rosy; female, with yellowish. 

This species seems to be of a more roving disposition, and 
even more eccentric than the last. They are not nearly as 
common and are usually seen in smaller flocks; occasionally 
one or two individuals of this species will be found with a flock 
of the American Crossbills, but they usually keep by them- 
selves. While they may be seen in a certain locality one 
season, they may be absent for several seasons after, for some 
reason or other. They feed upon the seeds of pine cones, 
prying the cones open with their peculiar bills. 

Note.—Do not differ appreciably from those of the last. 

Nest.—The nesting habits of this species are like those of 
the last, but the eggs differ in being slightly larger and in hav- 
ing the markings of a more blotchy character (.80 x .55). 

Range.—Breeds from the northern parts of the northern 
tier of states northward. Winters in the northern half of the 


U.S. 





77 








GRAY-CROWNED LEUCOSTICTE 
524. Leucosticte tephrocotis. 63 inches 


Female similar to, but duller colored than, the male. 

All the members of this genus are western and northern, this 
one only being found east of the Rockies and then only in 
winter, when it occasionally is found east of the Mississippi. 
They wander about in rocky mountainous regions, feeding upon 
seeds and berries. They are very restless and stop in a place 
but a short time before flying swiftly away, in a compact flock, 
to another feeding ground. 

Note.—An alarm note of a short, quick whistle. 

Nest.—Built on the ground, usually beside a rock or in a 
crevice; composed of weeds and grass, lined with finer grass. 
They lay three or four unmarked white eggs in June. 

Range.—Western U. S., breeding in the higher mountain 
ranges; in winter sometimes wandering east to the Mississippi. 





78 


' GREENLAND REDPOLL 
527. <Acanthis hornemannit. 6 inches 


A larger and much whiter species found in Greenland and 
migrating to Labrador in winter. 527b. Hoary Redpoll 
(exilipes), smaller and darker, but still lighter than the Redpoll; 
winters south to Massachusetts. 


REDPOLL 
528. Acanthis linaria. 5% inches 


Male with a rosy breast; female without. 

In winter these northern birds may be found in flocks 
gathering seeds from weeds by the roadside and stone walls. 
Their actions greatly resemble those of our Goldfinch, but their 
flight is more rapid. 

Song.—Strong, sweet, and canary-like. 

Nest.—At low elevations in bushes or trees; eggs three to 
five, pale greenish blue with brown specks. 

Range.—Breeds in the extreme north; winters south to 
northern U.S. 

Sub-Species.—528a. Holboell Redpoll (holboelli), slightly 
larger. 528b. Greater Redpoll (rostrata), larger and darker. 


79 








AMERICAN GOLDFINCH 
529. Astragalinus tristis. 5% inches 


These beautiful little creatures are often known as Thistle- 
birds and Wild Canaries, the former name because they are 
often seen on thistles, from the down of which their nests are 
largely made, and the latter name because of the sweet canary- 
like song. Their flight is a peculiar series of undulations 
accompanied by an intermittent twitter. They are very 
sociable and breed usually in communities as well as travel in 
flocks in the winter. Their food is chiefly of seeds and they 
often come to gardens in fall and winter to partake of sun- 
flower seeds, these flowers often being raised for the sole pur- 
pose of furnishing food for the finches in the winter. 

Song.—Sweet, prolonged and canary-like; call, a musical 
“tcheer,” and a twittering in flight. 

Nest.—Of thistledown, plant fibres and grasses, in forks of 
bushes, most often willows or alders near water. Four or five 
unmarked, pale bluish eggs. 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies; breeds from Virginia and 
Missouri north to Labrador; winters in U. S. 


= 80. ; 


WESTERN GOLDFINCH 
530. Astragalinus psaltria. 4% inches 


Cap, wings, and tail black; sides of head and back, greenish. 
Female much duller and with no black in the crown. These 
little Goldfinches are very abundant throughout the West. 
Their flight is undulatory like that of the preceding, and all 
their habits are very similar. They spend the winter in bands, 
roving about the country, feeding on weed seeds; in summer 
they repair, either in small bands or by single pairs, to the edges 
of swamps or woodland near water, where they construct their 
compact homes in the forks of bushes. Their eggs are pale blue 
like those of the American Goldfinch, but of course are much 
smaller (.62 x .45). They are laid in May or June, or even 
earlier in the western portions of their range. 

Song.—Sweet and musical, almost like that of the last 
species. 

Range.—Western United States from the Plains to the 
Pacific, being abundant west of the Rocky Mountains. 


81 








PINE FINCH OR SISKIN 
533. Spinus pinus. 5 inches 


These are also northern birds, being found in the U. S., with 
the exception of the extreme northern parts, only in winter and 
early spring. Their habits are just like those of the Gold- 
finches, for which species they are often mistaken, as the latter 
are dull-colored in winter. Their song and call-notes are like 
those of the Goldfinch, but have a slight nasal twang that will 
identify them at a distance, after becoming accustomed to it. 
They are often seen hanging head downward from the ends of 
branches as they feed upon the seeds or buds and when thus 
engaged they are very tame. 

Song.—Quite similar to that of the Goldfinch. 

Nest.—In coniferous trees atany elevation from the ground. 
They are made of rootlets and grasses, lined with pine needles 
and hair; the three to five eggs are greenish white, specked with 
reddish brown (.65 x .45). 

Range.—North America, breeding northward from the 
northern boundary of the U.S. and farther south in mountain 
ranges; winters throughout the U.S, 





82 


SNOWFLAKE 
534. Plectrophenax nivalis. 7 inches 


Adults in summer black and white; in winter, washed with 
brownish. 

When winter storms sweep across our land, these birds blow 
in like true snowflakes, settling down upon hillsides and feeding 
upon seeds from the weed stalks that are sure to be found above 
the snow somewhere. They are usually found in large flocks, 
and are very restless, starting up, as one bird, at the slightest 
noise, or continually wheeling about from one hill to another, of 
their own accord. 

Song.—A low twittering while feeding and a short whistle 
when in flight. 

Nest.—Of grass and moss lined with feathers and sunk in 
the sphagnum moss with which much of Arctic America is 
covered. Three to five eggs, pale greenish white, specked 
with brown. Size .90 x .65. 

Range.—Breeds from Labrador and Hudson Bay north- 
ward; winters in northern United States. 


83 








LAPLAND LONGSPUR 
536. Calcarius lapponicus. 6% inches 


Male in summer with black crown and throat and chestnut 
nape; female similar but duller; winter plumage, with feathers 
of head and neck tipped with grayish so as to conceal the bright 
markings. 

As indicated by its name, this is a Northern species, which 
spends the cold months in northern U. S., traveling in flocks 
and resting and feeding on side hills, often with Snowflakes, or 
on lower ground with Horned Larks. 

Song.—A sweet trill or warble, frequently given while in 
flight; call, a sharp chip. 

Nest.—Of mosses, grasses, and feathers placed on the ground 
in tussocks or on grassy hummocks. In June and July they 
lay from four to six eggs having a grayish ground color, which 
is nearly obscured by the numerous blotches of brown and 
lavender (.80 x .60). 

Range.—Breeds from Labrador northward and winters 


south to South Carolina and Texas. A sub-species is found in 
the West. 


84 


SMITH LONGSPUR 
537. Calcarius pictus. 6} inches 


Male in summer with the underparts buffy and sides of head 
marked -with black; female and male in winter much duller 
with all bright markings covered with a brownish-gray wash. 

Like the last species, these are Arctic birds found in winter 
on the plains and prairies of middle U. S. They are rarely 
found within our limits when in their beautiful spring plumage. 
They are most always found in company with the following 
species feeding upon seeds, buds and small berries. 

Song.—A sweet warble rarely heard in the United States; a 
clear ‘‘cheer-up”’ constantly uttered while on the wing. 

Nest.—Of grasses, weeds and moss, lined with feathers; 
located on the ground in similar locations to those of the last 
species. The four or five eggs are similar to those of the last 
but lighter (.80 x .60). 

Range.—Breeds about Hudson Bay and northward; winters 
in middle United States. 


85 








CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR 
538. Calcarius ornatus. 6+ inches 


Male in summer with a black breast and crown and chestnut 
nape; female and male in winter much duller and with all 
bright markings covered with grayish. 

Unlike the preceding Longspurs, these are constant residents 
in the greater part of the Western Plains, in some localities 
being classed as one of the most abundant birds. They have a 
short, sweet song that, in springtime, is frequently given as the 
bird mounts into the air after the fashion of the Horned Larks. 
They commonly feed about ploughed fields, along the edges of 
which they build their nests. 

~ Song.—A short, sweet trill; alarm note a sharp chip, and call 
note a more musical chirp. 

Nest.—Of fine grasses, placed on the ground in open 
prairies or along the edges of cultivated fields, often being con- 
cealed beside a tussock; their four or five eggs are clay color 
marked with reddish brown and lavender (.75 x .55). 

Range.—Breeds in the Great Plains from Kansas and Colo- 
rado north to Manitoba; winters south to Mexico. 


86 


M’COWN LONGSPUR 
539. Rhynchophanes mccownti. 6 inches 


Male with a black crown and patch on breast and chestnut 
shoulders; female and male in winter dull colored with all 
bright markings obscured by brownish gray. 

These are also common birds on the plains of middle U. S., 
but perhaps not so much so as the last species with which 
species they are often found breeding. These Finches show their 
close relationship to the famous Skylark of Europe by fre- 
quently indulging in the same practice of soaring aloft and 
descending on set wings, rapturously uttering their sweet song. 

Song.—A shrill, twittering warble; call, a musical chirp. 

Nest.—A neat cup of grasses in a hollow in the ground on 
prairies or in fields. Their four to six eggs are dull whitish 
clouded with brownish, the marking not being as distinct as in 
those of the last species (.75 x .55). 

Range.—Breeds on the Great Plains from Kansas north to 
Saskatchewan; winters south to Mexico. 


87 








ENGLISH SPARROW 
*** Passer domesticus. 6% inches 


These street urchins were introduced into our country from 
Europe about 1850, and have since multiplied and spread out 
so that they now are found in all parts of our land from the 
' Atlantic to the Pacific. Heretofore they have confined them- 
selves chiefly in the immediate vicinity of the larger cities and 
towns, but it is now noted with alarm that they are apparently 
spreading out into the surrounding country. They are very 
hardy creatures, able to stand our most rigorous winters. 
They are fighters and bullies from the time they leave the egg, 
and few of our native birds will attempt to live in the neighbor- 
hood with them. 

Notes.—A harsh, discordant sound, which they commence 
early in the morning and continue until night. 

Nest.—Of straw and rubbish piled behind blinds, in the tops 
of electric lights or crevices of buildings, and sometimes large, 
unsightly heaps of straw in trees. They raise three or four 
broods a year and in all seasons; five to seven whitish eggs 
scratched with black. 

Range.—Whole of U.S. and southern Canada. ~— 


88 


VESPER SPARROW 
540. Powcetes gramineus. 6 inches 


The chestnut shoulders and white outer tail feathers dis- 
tinguish this from any other of our Sparrows. 

The name Vesper Sparrow is given this bird because of its 
habit of tuning up along toward evening; it is perhaps more 
often known as the “‘Bay-winged Sparrow” or “‘Grass Finch.” 

They are found chiefly in dry pastures or along dusty road- 
sides, where they start from the ground in front of us, their 
white tail feathers showing prominently as they fly, so that 
there will be no mistake as to their identity. 

Song.—A clear, ascending series of whistles, given from a 
fence post or bush top; call, a sharp chirp. 

Nest.—Of grasses in weedy fields or pastures; four or five 
whitish eggs marked and blotched with brownish (.80 x .60). 

Range.—Eastern N. A. from Virginia to southern Canada; 
winters in southern U.S. The similar Western Vesper Sparrow 
(confinis) is found from the Plains to the Pacific coast ranges. 


89 








IPSWICH SPARROW 
541. Passerculus princeps. 6% inches 
This species is larger and paler colored, but very similar to 
the more common and better known Savannah Sparrow. Its 
habits are the same. It breeds on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, 
and winters along the Atlantic coast to Virginia. 


SAVANNAH SPARROW 
542a. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna. 5% inches 

Breast and sides streaked with brownish, and yellow before 
the eye and also on bend of wing. 

These Finches are very abundant in eastern U.S. during mi- 
grations and a few remain in the northern parts through the 
summer. 

Song.—A weak trill or twitter; a short chip. 

Nest.—Of grasses in hollows in the ground and concealed by 
grass or weeds. The four grayish eggs are spotted with 
brown (.75 x .55). : 

Range.—Winters in southern U. S.; breeds from northern 
U.S. northward. 542b. Western Savannah Sparrow (alaudi- 
nus) is found from the Plains west to the coast ranges. It is 
slightly paler. . 





90 


BAIRD SPARROW 
545. Ammodramus bairdi. 52 inches 


Crown and nape brownish yellow streaked with black; under- 
parts white, streaked on the throat, breast, and sides with black- 
ish; tail slightly forked and the feathers pointed. 

In summer the western plains and prairie ring with the tin- 
kling songs of these little Sparrows; they are especially abun- 
dant in Dakota and Montana. 


GRASSHOPPER SPARROW 
546. Ammodramus savannarum australis. 5% inches 


Crown blackish with a central buffy stripe; nape brown and 
gray; sides of head, breast, and flanks, buffy without streaks. 

Song.—A weak, insect-like ‘‘zee-e-e-e-e.”’ 

Nest.—A grass-lined hollow in a field, with the top arched 
over so as to keep off the sun and conceal the eggs. In June 
four or five white, brown-specked eggs are laid (.75 x .55). 

Range.—U. S. east of the Rockies; winters in southern U. S. 

546b. Florida Grasshopper Sparrow (floridanus), a darker 
race found on the plains of interior Florida. 


91 








HENSLOW SPARROW 
547. Passerherbulus henslowit. 5 inches 


Crown and nape greenish, streaked with black; breast and 
sides buffy, streaked with black; tail feathers narrow and 
pointed. 

This species is of a more southern distribution than the last, 
being rarely found in New England, but quite common in 
favorable localities south of Virginia. 


LECONTE SPARROW 
548. Passerherbulus lecontet. 5 inches 


Hind head chestnut and gray; sides of head, throat, breast, 
and flanks a rich buff color. 

Song.—A grasshopper-like squeaking. 

Nest.—Of grasses in hollows of the ground on prairies; eggs 
greenish white thickly specked with brownish (.65 x .50). 

Range.—Breeds in the Great Plains from Dakota to Mani- 
toba, and winters southeastward to the South Atlantic and 
Gulf States. 





92 


SHARP-TAILED SPARROW 
549. Passerherbulus caudacutus. 5% inches 


Back of head greenish; sides of head, breast, and flanks buff 
with black streaks; tail feathers sharp. 

Salt marshes along the seacoast or along streams emptying 
into the ocean are the dwelling-places of these Finches. They 
creep about like mice in the salt grass, now running across an 
open space, now threading their way through the upright stalks. 

Song.—A rather weak, squeaky trill. 

Nest.—Of seaweed and marsh grass, attached to the grass 
stalks several inches above ground and often covered by a mass 
of dry seaweed. Eggs greenish white specked with brown 
(.78 x .56). 

Range.—Atlantic coast of the U.S. 


NELSON SPARROW 
549a. Passerherbulus nelsoni. 54 inches 
Similar to the last but brighter colored and not streaked be- 
low. In the Mississippi Valley north to Manitoba. 549a. 
Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow (sub-virgatus), Atlantic coast, 
breeding from Maine to New Brunswick. 
93 








SEASIDE SPARROW 
550. Passerherbulus maritimus. 6 inches 


Yellow spot before the eye. General plumage above grayish 
green with no black markings. All the habits of the Seaside 
Sparrows are precisely like those of the Sharp-tailed Sparrows. 
The nests and eggs are indistinguishable and are often found in 
the same marshes. 

Sub-Species.—550a. Scott Seaside Sparrow (peninsule), 
slightly smaller and with the back marked with black and 
brownish green; South Atlantic coast. 550b. Texas Sea- 
side Sparrow (sennetti), greener above than No. 550; coast of 
Texas. 550c. Fisher Seaside Sparrow (fisheri), darker above 
than scotti and with the breast and sides heavily washed with 
rusty and streaked with black; coast of Louisiana. 550d 
Macgillivray Seaside Sparrow (macgillivrayii), coast of South 


Carolina. 
DUSKY SEASIDE SPARROW 


551. Passerherbulus nigrescens. 6 inches 


Darkest of the Seaside Sparrows. Found only in marshes at 
head of Indian River, Florida. 4 


94 


LARK SPARROW 
552. Chondestes grammacus. 61 inches 


These handsome Sparrows are very abundant in the Mis- 
sissippi Valley; their favorite resorts are fields, pastures, and 
prairie lands, or along dusty roadsides. Their song is one of 
the sweetest of any of the Sparrows, and is freely given through- 
out the summer. 

Song.—A hurried gush of silvery tremulous notes. 





grasses arranged in a hollow to form a little cup, and usually 
concealed under a tuft of grass or bunch of clover. The birds 
usually run some distance from the nest before flying, so that 
they are quite hard to find. They lay three to five eggs, white, 
specked and scrawled sparingly with blackish (.80 x .60), 
wholly different from those of any other Sparrow. 

Range.— Mississippi Valley, breeding from Texas to Mani- 
toba; winters in southern U.S. and Mexico. 

Sub-Species.—552a. Western Lark Sparrow (strigatus) is 
slightly paler and less heavily marked; found from the Plains 
to the Pacific. 


95 








HARRIS SPARROW 
553. Zonotrichia querula. '7} inches 


Adults in summer with the crown, face, and throat black; 
in winter with the black areas mottled with gray. 

This species is one of the largest of the Sparrows. It is found 
abundantly on the prairies during migrations, but about nest- 
ing time they all seem to disappear and no one has, as yet, been 
able to locate their exact breeding range. It is supposed to be 
among some of the foothills of North Dakota and northward 
through Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as they have been found 
during the summer in all these localities. Nests supposed to 
belong to this species have been found, but they lack positive 
identification. 

Song.—A series of musical, piping whistles. 

Nest.—Supposed to be of grass and bark, a few inches 
above the ground in weed stalks or small shrubs; eggs whitish, 
thickly spotted with brown (.95 x .65). 

Range.—Interior U.S. from Texas (in winter) north through 
the Plains and Mississippi to Manitoba. 





96 


WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW 
554. Zonotrichia leucophrys. '% inches 


Adults with a white crown bordered by black, the black 

_ covering the lores or space before the eye (the sub-species found 

west of the Rockies have the lores white). 

We know these birds in the U. S., except in mountain ranges 
or in the extreme northern parts, only as migrants, they then 
being found in brushy woodlots or along roadsides. In the 
north they are found in deeply wooded ravines and on side hills. 
While with us they rarely if ever sing, but in their summer home 
they have a clear tinkling song like that of the White-throated 
Sparrow, with which we see them associated here. 

Song.—A clear, sweet, piping “‘see-dee-dee-dee-de-e’ 
note, a sharp chip. 

Nest.—Usually on the ground under patches of brush or 
bushes. The four or five eggs are whitish profusely spotted 
with brown (.90 x .63). 

Range.—N. A., breeding from northern U. S. northward and 
in high ranges south to Mexico. 


) 


; call 


97 








WHITE-THROATED SPARROW 
558. Zonotrichia albicollis. 6% inches 


In thick underbrush we hear these birds scratching about 
among the leaves; occasionally one of them will hop up on a 
twig and give his clear peabody song, or, hearing or seeing you, 
give a sharp chirp and dash out of sight again. They are birds 
of the ground, always busy and always happy. I think that 
without any exception they are the handsomest of our Spar- 
rows, their colors are so rich and harmonize and blend together 
so well. 

Song.—A high-pitched, very clear and sweet whistle, “pea- 
bo-dy-bird.”” Call and note of alarm, a metallic chirp. 

Nest.—Usually on the ground on the borders of woods or in 
Swamps; of grass and leaves, similar to, but larger than, that of 
the Song Sparrow. Four or five eggs, pale greenish blue, 
thickly spotted with brown (.85 x .63). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from northern 
U.S. to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters in the southern 


half of U.S. 


. TREE SPARROW 
559. Spizella monticola, 6+ inches 


A blackish-brown spot in middle of breast; crown reddish 
brown with no black about the head; back and wings with con- 
siderable brown. 

These Sparrows are summer residents of the Arctic region, 
passing the winter in the northern half of the U.S. They bear 
considerable resemblance to our common Chipping Sparrow 
but are larger and have characteristic markings as noted above. 
They appear in the U.S. in October and many of them pass the 
winter in the fields and gardens in our northern states. 

Note.—A musical chirp; song, strong, sweet, and musical 
and ending in a low warble. 

Nest.—Usually on the ground, but sometimes at low 
elevations in bushes. Eggs pale greenish blue with brown 
specks over the whole surface, thus being very different from 
those of the Chipping Sparrow (.80 x .60). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Plains, breeding in Labrador and 
about Hudson Bay; winters in northern half of the U.S. A 
sub-species, 559a. Western Tree Sparrow (ochracea) is paler; 
it is found from the Plains to the Pacific, breeding in the north. 


99 








CHIPPING SPARROW 
560. Spizella passerina. 5% inches 


Crown chestnut; forehead black; line through the eye black. 

One of the commonest and most useful of our Sparrows, fre- 
quenting orchards, yards, and bushy pastures. They are not at 
all timid and frequently nest in vines, covering porches or the 
side of the house, provided that English Sparrows are not too 
numerous. They eat great quantities of insects and worms, 
and some seeds, feeding their young wholly upon the former. 

Song.—A very rapidly chanted chip, chip, chip, chip, con- 
tinued for several seconds; call, a sharp chip. 

Nest.—A small cup-shaped structure of rootlets, lined with 
horsehair; placed in bushes, trees, or vines; eggs three to five, 
bluish green, specked, chiefly around the large end, with black- 
ish brown (.65 x .50). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf of 
Mexico north to Newfoundland and Hudson Bay; winters in 
the Gulf States. A sub-species is found west of the Rockies. 


100 


CLAY-COLORED SPARROW 
561. Spizella pallida. 5% inches 


No reddish brown in the plumage; crown largely black, with 
a whitish stripe in centre. The habits of these birds are the 
same as those of the Chippy; they are abundant on the Plains 
north to Saskatchewan and breed south to the northern portion 
of the United States. They spend the winter in Mexico. 
Their nests and eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the 
preceding except, perhaps, by the fact that the nest has more 
grass than hair. 


~ 


BREWER SPARROW 
562. Spizella brewert. 53 inches 


Like the last species, the general tone of plumage of this is 
gray. It differs, though, in having the crown finely streaked 
with blackish. It is a more western species than the last and is 
rarely found east of the Rockies. It ranges from British 
Columbia southward into Mexico. 


101 








FIELD SPARROW 
563. Spizella pusilla. 55 inches 


. Bill pinkish brown; crown and ear covert brown with no 
black markings; back reddish brown and breast and sides 
washed with brown. 

You will find these birds in dry pastures, stubble fields, and 
side hills. The hotter and dryer a place is, the better they 
seem to like it. They are often the only birds that will be 
found nesting on tracts of land recently burned over upon which 
the sun beats down with stifling heat. 

Song.—A series of shrill piping whistles on an ascending 
scale and terminating in a little trill, ““swee-see-see-se-e-e.”’ 

Nest.—A frail structure of grasses and weeds, lined with 
finer grasses; placed either on the ground or in bushes, briars, or 
weed patches; four or five whitish eggs marked with reddish 
brown (.68 x .50). 

Range.—Breeds from the Gulf States north to southern 
Canada; winters in southern United States. 

Sub-Species.—563a. Western Field Sparrow (arenacea), a 
paler race found on the Great Plains. 


102 


WHITE-WINGED JUNCO 
566. Junco aikent. 6% inches 


Slightly larger than the common eastern Junco, and with 
two white bars on the wing and more white on the tail. 

This species cannot be regarded as common anywhere, even 
locally, and in most sections of its range it is rare. There are no 
peculiarities in its habits, and I believe that its nests and eggs 
have not, as yet, been discovered. 

Range.—Breeds in Wyoming and the Dakotas and winters 
in Colorado and eastward to Kansas. 





103 





SLATE-COLORED JUNCO 
567. Junco hyemalis. 6% inches 


These are one of our most common winter birds, easily 
recognized, while perching or on the ground, by the white or 
pinkish bill, and when flying by the white outer tail feathers 
and the gray and white plumage. They are very common 
about houses as well as on the edges of woods and in pine 
groves, being very tame and coming into the dooryard to feed 
upon crumbs or chaff which is often thrown out for them. 

Song.—A sweet simple trill, which has a beautiful effect 
when given by a whole flock in unison. 

Nest.—Of grasses, on the ground, usually beside a stone, in a 
bunch of weeds or under a small shrub, where it is well con- 
cealed. The three or four eggs are whitish, sprinkled with 
reddish brown (.75 x .55). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern parts of 
the northern tier of states northward; winters south to the Gulf. 

Sub-Species.—567e. Carolina Junco (carolinensis), found 
in the Alleghanies from Virginia to Georgia; there are several 
races found west of the Rockies. 


104 


BLACK-THROATED SPARROW 
573. Amphispiza bilineata. 54 inches 


These little Sparrows are entirely unlike any other North 
American species. ‘They are found in the southwestern des- 
erts, where they are not uncommon in certain localities, being 
found in mesquite or chaparral brush. 

Note.—An ordinary Sparrow chip; song, a rich metallic 
*“zip-zip-zip-zee-zee-zee, the first three ascending, the second 
three notes descending. 

Nest.—In bushes or cacti at low elevations; epgs plain 
bluish white (.70 x .50). 

Range.—From Texas north to Kansas insummer. A paler 
sub-species, the Desert Sparrow (deserticola), is found west- 
ward to southern California. 


SAGE SPARROW 
574.1. Amphispiza nevadensis. 6% inches 


These birds are found in arid regions, frequenting the sage 
brush that is found in the Great Basin region, from western 
Texas to California. 


105 








PINE-WOODS SPARROW 
575. Peucea estivalis. 5% inches 


Upper parts streaked with black; back chestnut and gray; 
under parts buffy white; tail rounded. 

These dull-colored birds. are abundant on some of the south- 
ern pine barrens. Their habits are similar to those of the 
Henslow Sparrow; they are quite shy and it is almost impossible 
to make one show itself above the grass, through which it runs 
and dodges with great swiftness. If it is surprised into taking 
wing it goes but a few feet, then drops out of sight again. —_ 

Note.—A metallic chip; song, similar to that of the Field 
Sparrow, but reversed; that is, with the trill first. 

Nest.—Of grasses, on the ground, under shrubs or in tufts of 
grass; not usually arched as those of Bachman Sparrow seem to 
always be; four or five pure white eggs (.72 x .60). 

Range.—Georgia and Florida. 575a. Bachman Sparrow 
(bachmannii) is brighter above but has fewer black streaks; 
found in the South Atlantic and Gulf States and north to 
Indiana. 


106 


SONG SPARROW 
581. Melospiza melodia. 6% inches 


This is probably the best known, most abundant, and most 
widely distributed (in its numerous sub-species) of all our 
birds. They are quite hardy and many of them winter in the 
northern states, but the majority go farther south, returning 
to their summer homes about the first of March. They may 
be found anywhere where there are bushes, vines, or hedges and 
often about houses, even in large cities. 

_~Song.—Very pleasing and musical, strongly resembling 
brilliant measures from that of the Canary. 

Nest.—Of grass, either on the ground or in bushes; three to 
five bluish-white eggs, profusely spotted with brown (.80 x .58). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from. Virginia and Mis- 
souri north to southern Canada. Winters from Massa- 
chusetts and Ohio southward. Many local races are found 
west of the Rockies, but only one east of there. 581 . Dakota 
Song Sparrow (juddi) is found in the vicinity of Turtle Moun- 
au North Dakota; it is said to be lighter above and brighter 

elow. 


107 








LINCOLN SPARROW 
583. Melospiza lincolnii. 5% inches 


Upper parts extensively brown and black, breast and sides 
bright buff with fine black streaks. 

These Finches are quite abundant in the West, especially 
during migrations, but are rather uncommon in the eastern 
states. Their habits are similar in some respects to both those 
of the Song Sparrow and of the Grasshopper Sparrow. They 
are very lively at all times and in the mating season quite 
pugnacious. They sit for minutes at.a time upon the top of a 
bush pouring forth their melody, and they have one of the most 
brilliant songs of any of the family. 

Song.—Loud, clear, and gurgling, after the style of the 
House Wren; call, a metallic chirp. 

Nest.—Of grass, on the ground, in tufts of grass or under 
small shrubs; eggs pale greenish white, heavily marked with 
chestnut (.80 x .58). 

Range.—N. A., breeding from northern U.S. to Labrador 
and Alaska; winters in southern half of U. S. 


108 


SWAMP SPARROW 
584. Melospiza georgiana. 5% inches 


Forehead black; crown chestnut with a gray median stripe; 
whole upper parts very dark; under parts grayish with brown 
sides. 

A very quiet and unobtrusive species that dwells, as its name 
implies, chiefly in swamps. They creep about under the rank 
weeds and underbrush like so many mice; they are especially 
fond of the soft mires where walking is so-difficult for human 
beings; they patter around on the soft mud with evident enjoy- 
ment, occasionally walking across an open space of water on 
what floating débris they may find available. 

Song.—A feeble chant; call, a sharp metallic cheep. 

Nest.—Of grasses, on the ground in damp places; four or five 
eggs, having a pale greenish-blue color heavily blotched and 
clouded with shades of brown (.80 x .55). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Plains, breeding from New Jersey 
and Missouri north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters in 
southern half of the U.S. 


109 








FOX SPARROW 
585. Passerella iliaca. ‘7+ inches - 


Above bright reddish brown and gray; rump and tail wholly 
reddish brown, and spots on the breast and sides of the same 
color. 

In winter we find these large Sparrows in quiet swamps and 
open woods, where they scratch about among the fallen leaves, 
after the manner of domestic fowls; they will scratch energeti- 
cally for a few seconds, then pause to see what they have un- 
covered. They have a short but loud and joyful song, with 
which they greet you on clear frosty mornings, and the effect is 
very beautiful when a large flock of them are singing in chorus. 

Song.—A loud, clear, and melodious carol; call, a soft chip. 

Nest.—Of grass and moss, lined with fine grass and feathers; 
four or five pale bluish-green eggs, spotted with reddish brown 
and chestnut (.90 x .65). 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from New 
Brunswick and Manitoba northward; winters in the southern 
states. 








110 


TOWHEE OR CHEWINK 
587. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. 8 inches 


A bird of swamps, brushy pastures, and open woodlands, 
They are ground birds and usually found scratching among the 
leaves; the male, with his black, white, and brown clothes, 
makes a conspicuous object, while the female, with her brown 
and white dress, harmonizes with the leaves so that it is diffi- 
cult to see her. While his mate is sitting on her nest, the male 
will frequently sit in a tree top and persistently sing for many 
minutes at a time. 

Song.—Loud and clear, “tow-hee-e-e”’ or “‘see-tow-hee-e-e,” 
with the last notes tremulous; call, a sharp “cherink.”’ 

Nest.—Usually on the ground, but rarely in bushes; of 
strips of bark, grass, and leaves; eggs white with reddish-brown 
dots over the whole surface (.90 x .70). 

Range.—FEastern N. A., breeding from the Gulf States to 
southern Canada; winters in southern U. S. 

Sub-Species.—587a. White-eyed Towhee (alleni) has white 
eyes instead of red and less white on the tail; on the South 
Atlantic coast. 


111 








GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE 
592.1 Oreospiza chlorura. 7 inches 


These are characteristic birds of the Western mountains. 
They are typical brush birds, satisfied in living a life of se- 
curity in their own way, and rarely appear above the surface of 
the thick shrubbery except to mount to a conspicuous twig, 
pour forth their sweet melodies, and then retreat again. 

Note.—A loud chip; a soft, mewing note; song, finch-like, 
musical but rather simple. 

Nest.—Either on the ground or in bushes near the ground. 
Made of grasses the same as that of any.of the Sparrows. Eggs 
pale bluish gray, thickly speckled with reddish brown. The 
nests are built in very thickly tangled underbrush and are 
difficult to locate. 

Range.—Western United States, from the eastern base of 
the Rockies west to the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevadas. 


112 


CARDINAL 
593. Cardinalis cardinalis. 9 inches 


Noble in carriage, beautiful of plumage, amiable in disposi- 
tion and excellent singers are some of the qualifications of these 
large-billed birds. They are southern birds, rarely seen in 
northern U.S. unless in cages, for large numbers of them are 
trapped for this purpose, a practice that is being stopped as 
rapidly as possible by enforcing the laws which protect them. 
They are hardy birds, often passing the winter in the northern 
parts of their range when the ground is covered with snow. 
They frequent gardens, plantations, and open woods, where 
they glean their food of seeds, berries, fruit, and insects. 

Song.—A loud, clear, and lively warble; call, a low chip. 

Nest.—A frail structure of twigs, in thickets or bushes; eggs 
greenish blue with reddish-brown spots (1.00 x .73). 

Range.—Resident and breeding from the Gulf to New York 
and Iowa. 593. Florida Cardinal (floridanus) is supposed to 
be slightly smaller and brighter. 


115 








TEXAN CARDINAL; PYRRHULOXIA 
594a. Pyrrhuloxia sinuata texana. 8% inches 


Notice that the bill of this species is very stout and short, 
more like that of a parrot. The crest is also. composed of 
fewer feathers than that of the Cardinal. It is only in the 
highest of plumages that the red on the underparts is con- 
tinuous from bill to tail; usually it is broken into patches. The 
female is much duller in color than the male, but always has a 
strong tinge of rose color. ‘They frequent more open and ex- 
posed positions than do Cardinals and are more shy in their 
disposition. 

Nest.—Shabby platforms of twigs-and grasses placed at low 
elevations in thickets. The three or four eggs are whitish, 
specked with dark brown, most profusely at the large end 
(.90 x .70). 

Range.—Abundant in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in 
southern Texas. 


114 


ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 


595. Zamelodia ludoviciana. 8 inches 


Male, black and white with rose breast and under wing 
coverts; female resembling a large striped Sparrow in color. 

The centre of abundance of these beautiful creatures is in the 
northern half of eastern U. S. In beauty and song he fully 
atones for what we Northerners lose because of the southerly 
distribution of the Cardinal. We find them in swamps, small 
patches of woods, and, sometimes, in orchards. ‘They are 
rather quiet birds, that is they do not move about much, but 
they can easily be found by their song. 

Song.—A rich, full, whistling carol, almost without excep- 
tion immediately preceded with a sharp chip. Call, a deep- 
toned chirp. 

Nest.—A loose, frail cradle of twigs at low elevations in trees 
or thickets; eggs bluish green spotted with brown (1.00 x .75). 

Range.—U. S. east of the Rockies, breeding in the northern 
half and in southern Canada; winters in Central America. 


115 








BLUE GROSBEAK 
597. Guiraca cerulea. 7 inches 


Male, deep blue with chestnut shoulders; female, grayish 
brown above and grayish white below. 

Open woods, small groves, and roadsides are the locations in 
which these birds will be apt to be found. In some places they 
are fairly common, but nowhere abundant. Their habits are 
very similar to those of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. 

Song.—A rapid varied warble, similar to but louder and 
stronger than that of the Indigo Bunting. 

Nest.—Of twigs, weeds, and grasses, lined with fine rootlets; 
placed in thickets, bushes, or low trees; four or five plain bluish- 
white eggs (.85 x .62). 

Range.—FKastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf to Maryland 
and Illinois; winters south of U. S. 

Sub-Species.—597a. Western Blue Grosbeak  (lazula). 
Male of a brighter shade of blue than the eastern; found from 
the Mississippi to the Pacific, breeding north to Kansas, 
Colorado, and northern California. 


116 


INDIGO BUNTING 
598. Passerina cyanea. 5% inches 


Male, indigo blue; female, brownish but usually with a faint 
indication of blue on the wings or tail. 

A jolly summer songster, dwelling with us from the latter 
part of May until September. You will meet with these Bunt- 
ings along roadsides lined with scrubby trees or bushes, or in 
pastures or along the edges of swamps. The male usually has 
some favorite perch upon which he spends a large portion of his 
time singing; it is nearly always the top of a tall bush or tree. 

Song.—A sprightly little warble with many canary-like 
notes. Call, a sharp chip. 

Nest.—Of grasses at low elevations in shrubs or bushes; eggs 
four or five in number, very pale bluish white (.75 x .52). 

Range.—U. S. east of the Rockies, and most abundant east 
of the Mississippi; breeds north to Manitoba and New Bruns- 
wick; winters in Central America. 


sme 











LAZULI BUNTING 
599. Passerina amena. 5% inches 


This species replaces the preceding one west of the Plains. 
While the plumage of the males is entirely distinctive, that of 
the females is often confusing. The present species has quite a 
conspicuous band of rusty buff across the breast and lacks any 
sign of stripes on the sides, such as show faintly on the last 
species. Its habits are just like those of the Indigo and it fre- 
quents the same kind of territory. 

Nest.—Built in a bush or on the lower branches of trees, 
only a few feet from the ground. The eggs are very pale bluish 
white (.75 x .58). 

Range.—Western United States from the Great Plains to 
the Pacific coast; north along the coast to British Columbia; 
south in winter to Mexico. 


118 


VARIED BUNTING 
600.. Passerina versicolor. 5% inches 


This beautiful species is less common than any others of the 
genus and has a very restricted range in the United States. 
The plumage of the male birds varies a great deal; that shown 
in the accompanying illustration is from a brightly colored 
specimen. They will average duller than this. These birds 
frequent thickets or brush-studded pasture land. Their song 
is described as weaker than that of the Indigo Bunting, but 
having much of the same character. 

Nest.—Built of grasses, bark, and fine rootlets; a cup-shaped 
structure placed in forks of bushes, usually in tangled thickets. 
The three or four eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the 
last species. 

Range.—The Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas. 
A sub-species (pulchra) is also found in Lower California and 
southern Arizona. 





119 








PAINTED BUNTING 
601. Passerina ciris. 5% inches 


Male, vari-colored; female, greenish gray. 

Without any exception, these are the most gaudily plumaged 
North American birds, but their colors have a harshness of con- 
trast that renders them far less pleasing to the eye than many 
others of our birds. They are often caged, but in confinement 
soon lose the natural brilliancy of their plumage. Like the 
Indigo Bunting, they are found in thickets and hedges; their 
habits seem to be precisely like those of the last species. 

Song.—Similar to that of the Indigo but lacking the bril- 
liancy of that of the latter bird. 

Nest.—Of grasses, leaves, strips of bark and rootlets, com- 
pactly compressed and woven together, situated at low eleva- 
tions in thickets and low bushes; eggs whitish, specked and 
blotched with reddish brown (.78 x .58). 

Range.—Southeastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north 
to Virginia, Ohio, and Kansas; winters in Central America. 


120 


MORELLET SEED-EATER 
602. Sporophila morellett sharpei. 43 inches 


The male of this interesting little species requires at least 
three years in which to obtain the perfect plumage as shown in 
our illustration. The majority of birds seen will be in inter- 
mediate stages of plumage between that of the adult female and 
this one. These little fellows are usually found in thickets or 
patches of briars and are quite tame. 

Note.—During the breeding season the male has a sprightly 
song similar to that of the Indigo Bunting. 

Nest.—The nests are made of fine grass and placed in bushes 
or young trees. The eggs are bluish green spotted rather 
evenly with brown (,65 x .48). 

Range.—Southeastern Texas and southward into Mexico. 


121 








DICKCISSEL 
604. Spiza americana. 6% inches 


Male beautifully blended with yellow, white, and gray, and 
with a black throat patch and brown shoulders; female duller. 

In the middle portions of the U. S. these birds, or Black- 
throated Buntings, as they are commonly called, are very 
numerous, frequenting dry, bushy fields or prairies. They are 
very persistent songsters, although their song is weak and has 
little melody. In July and August, when many birds are 
silent, they continue their plaintive chant even on the most 
sultry days. 

Song.—A simple chanting “‘chip, chip, che-che-che.” 

Nest.—Either on the ground, in bushes or thistles, or in 
trees; of weeds, grasses, rootlets, corn husks, ete.; eggs four or 
five in number, plain bluish white and hardly distinguishable 
from those of the Bluebird; size .80 x .60. 

Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf 
States north to northern U. S.; rare in the Atlantic States north 
to Connecticut. 


122 


LARK BUNTING 
605. Calamospiza melanocorys. 7% inches 


Male, black and white; female, brown and gray. 

This species is often known as the White-winged Blackbird, 
not because it bears any resemblance to any of the Blackbirds, 
nor because any of the habits are the same, but simply because 
of its plumage. They are very gregarious and usually fly in 
flocks even in nesting time. 

They seem to be very methodical and well trained; if one of a 
flock takes wing, the entire flock rises simultaneously and in a 
very compact body they fly until some leader chooses the next 
stopping place, when they as suddenly alight. They have the 
habit of Skylarks in mounting into the air while singing and 
then descending on set wings. 

Song.—A very lively, sweetly modulated warble. 





bush; four or five eggs of a bluish color (.85 x .65), brighter than 
those of the Dickcissel. 


Range.—Western U. S., most abundant from Kansas to 
Colorado and north to Assiniboia. 


123 








SCARLET TANAGER 
608. Piranga erythromelas. 7} inches 


Male, scarlet and black; female, greenish yellow and blackish. 

These beautiful birds are found in open woods, but they often 
come out in fields, parks, orchards, and sometimes in yards 
when feeding; one of the prettiest sights that I ever saw was of 
~ about a dozen of these birds tripping along the furrows of a 
ploughed field, where they were feeding on insects. Besides 
berries and seeds, they live upon quantities of insects, fre- 
quently catching them on the wing in true Flycatcher style. 

Song.—Resembling that of the Robin, but harsher, less 
varied and higher pitched. Call, a sharp chip or “chip-churr.” 

Nest.—Loosely made of twigs and rootlets, on lower 
branches of trees; eggs four, pale bluish green, spotted with 
brown (.95 x .65). . 

Range.—Breeds in the northern parts of the U. S. from the 
Atlantic to the Plains; winters in the Tropics, whence it arrives 
about May 15. 


124 


SUMMER TANAGER 
610. Piranga rubra. 1% inches 


Male, rosy red; female, greenish yellow. 

These Tanagers have a more southerly distmbution than the 
Scarlet variety, but are found in the same kind of territory. In 
its localities it is rather more abundant and less retiring than is 
the latter bird in the north, and more often dwells in public 
parks. ‘This bird is often called the Redbird and in localities 
where both the Scarlet Tanager and this species are found, they 
are frequently known by the same name, as their habits and 
notes are similar. 

Song.—Similar to that of the Scarlet Tanager but said to be 
sweeter and clearer, and to more nearly resemble that of the 
Robin. 

Nest.—On the outer horizontal limbs of trees in open woods 
or groves; nest of twigs and rootlets; eggs bluish green, spotted 
with brown (.95 x .65). 

Range.—U. S. east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf to 
New Jersey and Kansas; winters in Central America. <A sub- 
species is found west of the Rockies. 


125 








PURPLE MARTIN 
611. Progne subis. 7% inches 


Male, blue black; female, dull black and grayish. 

These large, jolly Swallows are commonly seen about cities 
and towns within their range. Originally they dwelt in hollow 
trees, and some do yet, but the majority have recognized the 
superiority of man’s dwelling and now live in houses built 
especially for them or in cornices of houses or barns. It is no 
uncommon sight to see a handsome gabled structure of many 
rooms, perched upon a twelve-foot pole, on the lawns of many 
wealthy residents; others less bountifully supplied with this 
world’s goods use plain soap boxes for the same purpose, and 
the Martins seem to like the one as well as the other. 

Song.—A strong, varied grating warble or twitter, more 
forcible than melodious. 

Nest.—Of straw, paper, rags, etc., in bird houses, gables or 
hollow trees; eggs dull white (.98 x .72). 

Range.—N. A., breeding from the Gulf to New Brunswick 
and Saskatchewan; winters in northern South America. 


126 


CLIFF SWALLOW 
612. Petrochelidon lunifrons. 53 inches 


Adults similar in plumage but the female slightly paler. 
Easily distinguished from the Barn Swallow by the square 
tail and light buffy forehead and rump. 

This is what is commonly called the Eave Swallow in the 
Kast, because of its habit of plastering its nests on the outside 
of barns or other buildings, up under the eaves. In the West 
they usually resort to cliffs where, sometimes, large sections of 
the face will be completely covered with the little mud flasks; 
often colonies of several thousand will build their nests to- 
gether. 

Song.—A continuous twitter, uttered while on the wing or 
at rest. 

Nest.—A flask or gourd-shaped structure of mud, lined with 
straw and feathers, attached under the eaves to the outside of 
buildings or on the faces of cliffs; five to seven eggs are laid; 
white dotted and spotted with reddish brown (.80 x .55). 

Range.—N. A., breeding from the Gulf to Greeland and 
Alaska; winters in the Tropics. 


127 








BARN SWALLOW 
613. Hirundo erythrogastra. ‘7% inches 


Female duller plumaged and with a less deeply forked tail 
than the male. Forehead and throat chestnut and entire 
under parts buffy; tail deeply forked and with a white spot on 
the inner web of each feather except the central pair. 

This is the most graceful and beautiful of all our Swallows, 
and is the most common about farmhouses, the inside beams 
and rafters of which they appropriate for their own use. They 
delight in skimming over the rolling meadows or the surface of 
ponds, now rising with the wind, now swooping downward with 
the speed of an arrow. 

Song.—A continuous, rapid twitter. 

Nest.—A bowl-shaped structure made up of pellets of mud 
cemented together with the birds’ saliva, and lined with 
feathers; attached to rafters in barns, the opening being at the 
top and not at the side as in the last; eggs exactly like those of 
the last. 

Range.—N. A., breeding north to the limit of trees; winters 
in northern South America. 


128 


TREE SWALLOW. 
614. Iridoprocne bicolor. 6 inches 


Male, steely blue or greenish above; female, duller and often 
plain gray above, but both sexes always entirely white below. 

These Swallows are also abundant about farmyards; except 
when they are skimming over ponds, they are almost always 
scouring the air above buildings or fields, at higher elevations 
than the Barn Swallows. When weary they roost on dead 
twigs or telephone wires, hundreds often being seen in rows on 
the latter. Like the Martins, these birds frequently nest in 
bird boxes, but usually not more than one or two pairs in a 
single house. 

Note.—A twittering like that of the other Swallows. 

Nest.—Of grass, lined with feathers, in hollow trees on the 
border of water or in orchards, or in bird boxes erected for their 
use; eggs white (.75 x .52). 

Range.—Breeds in the northern half of the U.S. and north- 
ward to Labrador and Alaska; winters in southern U. S. and 
southward. 


129 








BANK SWALLOW 
616. Riparia riparia. 5% inches © 


These are the smallest of our Swallows; this species can be 
distinguished, even at a distance, by the conspicuous band 
across the breast, showing in bold relief against the lighter 
throat. They are found throughout North America, breeding 
from the middle of the U.S. north to the Arctic regions. 

They nest in colonies in holes in banks, laying the four to 
seven white eggs on a grass nest in an enlarged chamber at the 
end of the tunnel. 


ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW 
617. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. 54 inches 


Tn this species the throat is gray as well as the breast. The 
outer vane of the outer primary is stiff and bristly, thus giving 
the species its name. These birds breed from the Gulf north to 
Massachusetts and Washington, in banks or in crevices of stone 
bridges. The eggs cannot with certainty be distinguished from 
those of the Bank Swallow. They measure .75 x .52. 


130 


BOHEMIAN WAXWING 
618. Bombycilla garrula. 8 inches 


Larger and grayer than our common Cedar Waxwing and 
with yellow and white on the wing; it is a northern species and 
is only casually found in eastern U.S. They nest within the 
Arctic Circle and only a few of their nests have ever been found. 
In winter they are found in flocks, roving restlessly about the 
country, often appearing where least expected and utterly 
deserting other places where they are usually found. 

Nest.—Of small twigs and moss, lined with feathers, usually 
placed at low elevations in spruce or coniferous trees; eggs dull 
bluish white specked sparingly with black (1.00 x .70), similar 
to those of the Cedar Waxwing but larger. 

Range.—Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere, 
breeding within the Arctic Circle and wintering casually south 
to Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and California. 


131 








CEDAR WAXWING 
619. Bombycilla cedrorum. J inches 


Plumage very soft colored with a general brownish tone, 
shading to gray on the rump. The Waxwings are named from 
the curious wax-like appendages attached to the tips of the 
secondaries and rarely to the tail feathers. They are very 
sociable and usually feed in flocks. They live chiefly upon fruit 
and are especially fond ef cherries, for which reason they are 
very often known as Cherry-birds. They are very tame and 
allow any one to almost touch them while they are feeding or 
sitting upon their nests. 

Note.—An insignificant lisping hiss. 

Nest.—A substantial structure of twigs, mosses, twine, etc., 
lined with fine grasses; placed in cedar trees or, when near 
habitations, usually in orchard trees; the four or five eggs are 
dull bluish white specked with black (.85 x .60). 

Range.—N. A., breeding from Virginia, Missouri, and 
northern California north to Labrador and southern Alaska; 
winters throughout the United States. 


132 


NORTHERN SHRIKE 
621. Lantus borealis. 10 inches 


This Shrike is larger than any of the species found in summer 
in the United States and has the breast quite distinctly barred. 

Shrikes are cruel, rapacious, and carnivorous birds, feeding 
upon insects, grasshoppers, lizards and small birds: As they 
have passerine feet, the same as all our small birds they are un- 
able to hold their prey between the feet while tearing it to 
pieces, so they impale it upon thorns or the barbs of a wire fence 
so they may tear it to shreds with their hooked bill. 

Song.—Loud snatches consisting of various whistles and 
imitations suggesting that of a Catbird. 

Nest.—They breed chiefly north of the U. S., placing their 
rude, bulky structures of twigs and weeds in thorny trees or 
hedges; their four to six eggs are grayish white with spots of 
light brown and darker gray (1.08 x .80). 

Range.—N. A., breeding chiefly in the northern parts of 
Canada; winters south to Pennsylvania, Kansas, and California. 


133 








LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE 
622. Lanius ludovicianus. 9 inches 


Pure white below and with the markings above intense black 
instead of the brownish or grayish black of the last species. _Al- 
though smaller, these Shrikes have the same destructive habits 
of the northern species. All the Shrikes do considerable good 
to mankind, for they eat quantities of grasshoppers and mice, 
and probably resort to their diet of small birds when other food 
is unusually scarce. It cannot be denied that they are cruel 
for they often kill more than they can eat and leave it impaled 
on thorns to decay. 

Song.—Of harsh, discordant whistles. 

Nest.—In scrubby hedges and thickets; of twigs, weeds, 
leaves, etc.; eggs four to seven in number, grayish white, 
spotted with shades of brown and gray. 

Range.—FKastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf to southern 
New England and Manitoba; winters in southern states. 

Sub-Species—622a. White-rumped Shrike (excubitorides), 
paler and with a white rump; found from the Plains to the 
Pacific in the U. S. 


134 


RED-EYED VIREO 
624. Vireosylva olivacea. 6 inches 


Crown slaty gray with a black border; white stripe above eye; 
eye reddish brown. . 

Throughout the United States this is one of the most abun- 
dant of the family. All through the spring and summer 
months their warble is heard from woodland and roadside, often 
becoming so monotonous as to be irritating. Oftentimes 
during the spring migrations of Warblers, Vireos are so numer- 
ous and singing so lustily that it is impossible to hear or dis- 
tinguish the songs of any of the smaller birds. 

Song.—Delivered in parts with intermission of a few seconds 
between, from morning until night; a short varied warble; call, 
a petulant mew. 

Nest.—A basket woven of strips of bark and fibres, and 
often with pieces of newspaper worked in, lined with fine grass; 
eggs white with a few blackish-brown specks on the large end 
(.85 x .55). 

Range.—U. S. east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf to 
Labrador and Manitoba; winters in Central America. 


135 








PHILADELPHIA VIREO 
626. Vureosylva philadelphica. 5 inches 


This is one of the least common of the eastern Vireos, al- 
though it is more common than most people know; its song is 
not distinctive and it keeps high up in trees, so it is not usually 
noticed. Their nests are swung from branches at high alti- 
tudes and are seldom found. 


-WARBLING VIREO 
627. Vireosylva gilva. 65 inches 


Above olive-green; crown grayer but with no black border. 
These are among the most common of the Vireos and may be . 
found even in the hearts of large cities, swinging their pretty 
little nests high up in shade trees. Their song is after the style 
of that of the Purple Finch, very different from that of the Red- 
eye. The eggs are white with a few brown specks on the large 
fae These birds breed throughout the U. S. and southern 

anada. 


136 


YELLOW-THROATED VIREO 
628. Lanivireo flavifrons. i inches 


Upper parts greenish; throat, breast, and line over eye yel- 
low; two prominent whitish wing bars. 

A handsome Vireo found in localities such as are frequented 
by the Red-eyed species. Nowhere do they appear to be as 
abundant as that species, however; they are more abundant 
than many suppose, but the difficulty of clearly seeing the yel- 
low breast when they are feeding in the tree tops, combined 
with the similarity of their somgs, usually causes them to be 
passed by without inspection. 

Song.—Similar to that of the Red-eye, but louder and more 
nasal, less varied and not uttered as often. 

Nest.—A pensile structure of strips of bark, grasses, etc., 
with the outside often ornamented with lichens; three to five 
eggs with a creamy or rosy-white tint, specked, more pro- 
fusely than those of the Red-eye, with reddish brown (.82 x .60). 

Range.—Eastern U.S., breeding from the Gulf to southern 
Canada; winters in Central America. 


137 








BLUE-HEADED VIREO 
629. Lanivere solitarius. 5% inches 


Crown and sides of head bluish slate; lores, eye-ring, and 
underparts white; back and flanks greenish yellow; two whitish 
wing bars. 

This species, to my eye, is the prettiest of the Vireos, all the 
colors being 1n just the right proportion and blending and har- 
monizing perfectly. They are solitary, in that they are usu- 
ally found in deep woods, glens, or ravines, and seldom is more 
than one pair found in a single woods. 

Song.—Similar to that of the Yellow-throated Vireo but 
longer and more varied. 

Nest.—A handsome, finely woven basket, with the outside 
covered with spider webs and often with lichens; eggs pale 
creamy white with chestnut specks. 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the Gulf to New 
Brunswick and Manitoba; winters south of the United States. 

Sub-Species.—629c. Mountain Solitary Vireo (alticola), 
head darker and back less greenish; Alleghanies from North 
Carolina to Georgia. 


138 be 


BLACK-CAPPED VIREO 
630. Vireo atricapillus. 43 inches 


Male, with crown and sides of head glossy black, lores and 
eye-ring white; female, duller colored. 

This strange and comparatively rare Vireo frequents brush- 
wood on the prairies of Kansas, Indian Territory, and central 
and western Texas. Their habits in all respects resemble those 
of ne more common Vireos or Greenlets as they are otherwise 
called. 

Notes.—Similar to those of the White-eyed Vireo. 

Nest.—Suspended as usual from forked branches at low 
elevations; made of fibres and bark strips closely woven to- 
gether with spider webs. The four eggs are pure white, un- 
marked (.70 x .52). 

Range.—Breeds from central and western Texas north to 
southern Kansas; winters in Mexico. 


139 








WHITE-EYED VIREO 
631. Vireo griseus. 5 inches 


This species shows a partiality for low, swampy places, 
covered with briars or tangled thickets of blackberry vines. 
Their habits are entirely different from any of the preceding 
Vireos. They do not seem to sing as they eat, but feed in 
silence, then, the task ended, mount to the tops of the brush 
and indulge in an endless variety of calls and whistles. 

Song.—A great variety of clear whistles and squeaky notes. 

Nest.—A bulky structure of strips of bark, leaves, paper, 
etc., either placed in the branches or partially suspended in a 
fork; eggs white with minute brown specks (.75 x .55). 

Range.—FEastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to 
Massachusetts and Manitoba; winters in Mexico. 

Sub-Species.—63la. Key West Vireo (maynardi), southern 
Florida. 631b. Bermuda White-eyed Vireo (bermudianus), 
resident in the Bermudas. 63lc. Small White-eyed Vireo 
(micrus); southeastern Texas. 


140 


BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER 
636. Mniotilta varia. 5% inches 


Male, heavily streaked with black below; female, with only 
a few streaks on the sides. 

These Warblers are usually known as Black and White 
Creepers because of their habit of creeping along the limbs and 
branches of trees. They are abundant in northern United 
States, being found in open woods, swamps, and often in parks, 
gleaning insects and grubs from crevices in the bark. 

Song.—A weak, thin, wiry “‘tsee, tsee, tsee.” 

Nest.—Of grasses and strips of bark on the ground at the 
foot of a stump or tree trunk or beside a rock; they lay four or 
five eggs, white with a wreath of reddish brown around the 
large end (.65 x .55). 

Range.—FEastern N. A., breeding from Virginia and Louisi- 
ana north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters in northern 
South America. 


141 








PROTHONOTARY WARBLER 
637. Protonotaria citrea. 5% inches 


Whole head and underparts intense yellow, almost orange on 
Beira of the male; tail with white spots near the tip; female, 
duller. 

A common species in the interior, found in bushy swamps 
and the willows around the borders of pools and lakes; they are 
found in the latter localities with Tree Swallows and often 
Chickadees all nesting in holes in hollow stubs along the bank, 
they being one of the few members of this family to make use of 
such locations for their nests. 

Song.—A loud, ringing “‘tweet, tweet, tweet.” 

Nest.—In hollow stubs near or over water, the cavity of the 
stump being partially filled with moss, leaves, and grasses hol- 
lowed on the top to receive the four to six creamy-white eggs 
which are heavily spotted over the entire surface with reddish 
brown (.72 x .55). 

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north to 
Virginia, Illinois, and Minnesota; winters in Central America. 


142 


SWAINSON WARBLER 
638. Helinata swainsonii. 5 inches 


Upper parts brownish; underparts whitish; a white super- 
ciliary stripe and a brown stripe through the eye. 

Some of the habits of this species are similar to those of the 
last but they are even more aquatic; they like swamps or 
stagnant pools thickly grown with rushes and tangled under- 
brush; unless cognizant of their habits, one would never look 
for a Warbler in the places frequented by these birds in com- 
pany with Least Bitterns and Marsh Wrens. Until within a 
few years these were regarded as rare birds but are now found 
to be not uncommon in certain of the South Atlantic states, 
notably Georgia. 

Song.—A series of descending loud, clear whistles with a 
ventriloquial effect. 

Nest.—Quite large structures consisting mostly of leaves 
with strips of bark, roots, and pine needles. The four or five 
eggs are plain white, being the only eggs of American Warblers 
that are unmarked. 

Range.—Southeastern U. S. from Georgia to Louisiana and 
north to North Carolina and Missouri. 


143 








WORM-EATING WARBLER 
639. Helmitheros vermivorus. 5% inches 


Crown buffy with two black stripes; back, wings, and tail 
olive green with no white markings; below buffy white. 

These birds are very unsuspicious and easy to approach; they 
spend the greater portion of their time on or near the ground; 
they are very fond of spiders and find quantities by overturning 
bits of bark and leaves. They also glean part of their living 
from the underside of the foliage much as do the Vireos. ‘They 
are met with in open woods and brush-grown pastures. 

Song.—A weak, rapid chipping. 

Nest.—On the ground in depressions under logs, stones, or 
bushes; of leaves and grass, lined with fine grass or hair; eggs 
four or five in number, white, spotted principally around the 
large end with brownish (.70 x .55). 

Range.—Eastern U.S., breeding from the Gulf north to 
Connecticut, Ohio, and Iowa; winters in Central America. 








144 


BACHMAN WARBLER 
640. Vermivora bachmant. 4+ inches 


Male, with a yellow forehead, shoulders, and underparts; 
black cap and breast patch; female, duller and with less black. 

This species was first discovered by Dr. John Bachman near 
Charleston, S. C. 

Song.—An insignificant warble or twitter, similar to the 
song of the Parula. 

Nest.—In low bushes or briers, one to three feet above 
ground. Made of fine grasses and leaf skeletons lined with 
black fibres. Found breeding by Widmann in Missouri, by 
Embody in Kentucky, and by Wayne in South Carolina. 
Eggs four in number; pure white (.63 x .48). 

Range.—Southeastern U. S., north to North Carolina and 
west to Missouri. Rare and local in distribution. 


145 








BLUE-WINGED WARBLER 
641. Vermivora pinus. 4% inches 


Crown and underparts yellow; a narrow black line through 
the eyes; two broad whitish wing bars. 

A common bird of the southeastern states and north to Con- 
necticut, frequenting open woods, thickets, and gardens. They 
are ground birds, spending most of their time on the ground or 
in low bushes which they clean of the Hiblece which are de- 
structive. 

Song.—A loud, rapid chirrup, similar ‘i ‘that of the ue 
hopper Sparrow but loud and distinct. 

Nest.—Of leaves and strips of bark, lined with fine grasses; on 
the ground in clumps of weeds or blackberry vines; eggs white, 
sparingly spotted around the large end with rufous (.65 x .50). 

Range.—Eastern U. S8., breeding north to southern Con- 
necticut and Wisconsin; winters in the Tropics. 

Hybrids.—Lawrence Warbler, which is a hybrid between 
this species and the next; it has the general plumage of this - 
species with the black ear patches and throat of the Golden- 
winged Warbler. It is found chiefly in southwestern Connecti- 
cut and New York. 4 


146 


GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER 
642. Vermivora chrysoptera. 5 inches 


Crown and two large wing bars yellow; throat and ear 
patches black; rest of plumage gray and white; female with less 
black. 

The distribution of this euiital Warbler is about the same 
as that of the last, with which it seems to have many habits in 
common. It seems to prefer low ridges and side hills covered 
with small bushes. 

Song.—A buzzing “zwee-ze-ze.”’ 

Nest.—Of leaves, rootlets, strips of bark and grass; located 
on the ground among clumps of weeds, usually in moist places; 
eggs white with brown specks (.62 x .48). 

Range.—FEastern U.S., breeding north to Connecticut and 
Michigan; winters in Central America. 

Hybrid.—Brewster Warbler is a hybrid between this species 
and the last. It resembles the Golden-winged Warbler without 
the black, but with a yellow patch on the breast and the black 
line of the Blue-wing through the eye. 


147 








NASHVILLE WARBLER 
645. Vermivora rubricapilla. 4% inches 


Male with a brown crown patch; female duller colored and 
with no crown patch. Dry side hills covered with young 
trees are favorite resorts for the Warblers. ‘They conceal their 
nests on the ground under tufts of dead grass or overhanging 
stones. ‘They are often rather shy and hard to sight, but you 
can usually hear their song, a lazy sounding “ker-chip-chip- 
chip-cherr-wee-e-e,”” ending in a short trill.. These birds breed 
in the northern half of the U. S. and southern Canada, winter- 
ing in Central America. A sub-species is found on the Pacific 
Coast. 

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER 


646. Vermivora celata. 5 inches 


This species is fairly common in the Mississippi Valley but is 
rare in New England. Its habits are much like those of the 
last species and it is often mistaken for that bird. These birds 
breed only north of the U. S. and winter in Mexico. A sub- 
species, the Lutescent Warblers, nests from California to 
Alaska. 


148 


TENNESSEE WARBLER 
647. Vermivora peregrina. 5 inches 


Male, with a gray head and greenish back; female, with the 
top of the head the same color as the back. 

A dull-colored bird that, with the exception of the bill, bears 
a strong resemblance to some of the Vireos. Like many others 
of our birds, this one has received an inappropriate name, be- 
cause the first specimen was shot on the banks of the Cumber- 
land River, while the bird is no more abundant in Tennessee 
than in other states during migration. 

Song.—A simple ditty similar to that of the Chipping 
Sparrow. 

Nest.—Kither on the ground or at low elevations in bushes; 
of grasses and fibres lined with hair; eggs white, sparsely 
specked with reddish brown (.62 x .45). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern parts of 
the northern tier of states northward to the limit of trees; 
winters in Central and South America. 


149 





PARULA WARBLER 
648. Compsothlypis americana. 44 inches 


In the summer Parulas are found in wet swamps where the 
ground is covered with a carpeting of moss which only partially 
keeps your feet from the water below; the dead trees are cov- 
ered with a growth of long, drooping moss; the ends of this 
moss are turned up and formed into a neat cradle within which 
the eggs are laid. 

Song.—A little lisping trill. 

Range.—Breeds in the southern half of the U. S. The 
Northern Parula (usnea), No. 648a, breeds in the northern half 
of the U.S. and southern Canada; it is brighter colored than the 
southern form. Both varieties winter from the Gulf States 
southward. 


SENNETT WARBLER 
649. Compsothlypis pitiayumi nigrilora. 44 inches 


A smaller similar bird from southern Texas. Note the black 
ear patches and lack of black on breast. 





150 


CAPE MAY WARBLER 
650. Dendroica tigrina. 5 inches 


Male, with a chestnut wash on the ears and throat; female, 
duller and with little or no chestnut. 

In the greater part of eastern North America, Cape May 
Warblers are regarded as rare birds; they appear to migrate in 
compact bodies, not spreading out over the country as do most 
of the others; consequently they may be very common in 
restricted areas while lacking entirely in others. I have never 
met with but two specimens in Massachusetts. While passing 
through the United States you may meet with them in open 
woods, parks, or in shade trees along the streets of cities. 

Song.—A thin, high-pitched whistle repeated several times. 

Nest.-—Of small cedar twigs lined with horsehair, placed 
within a few feet of the ground in small cedar trees; eggs white 
spotted with brown (.68 x .50). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in eastern Canada and, 
rarely, northern New England; winters south of the U. S. 


151 





YELLOW WARBLER 
652. Dendroica estiva. 5 inches 
Male, with chestnut streaks on the sides; female, duller and 


_- without the streaks. 





An abundant bird everywhere in woodland, park, orchard, or 
garden and one of the most vivacious of the family. Arrives in 
the north soon after May first and is seen flitting about like a 
gleam of sunshine snatching insects from the foliage or darting 
after them in the air. Often known as the Summer Yellow- 
bird. It frequently nests in garden or orchard trees, where it is 
a most welcome tenant. 

Song.—A sharp, vigorous “che-wee, che-wee, che-wee.”’ 

Nest.—A beautiful and compact structure of vegetable or 
plant fibres firmly quilted together, and fastened to upright 
forks of bushes or trees at low elevations. Willows along 
creeks, ponds, or rivers are favorite resorts. 

Range.—N. A., breeding from the Gulf to Labrador and 
Alaska; winters in Central America. 


152 


BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER 
654. Dendroica cerulescens. 5% inches 


Male, grayish blue above and with a black face, throat, 
breast, and sides; female, grayish olive above, whitish below. 
Both sexes always have a white patch or speck at the base of 
the primaries. 

You will find these birds in damp woods or swamps, or less 
often in parks or open woods. ‘They are usually seen at low 
elevations in scrubby underbrush. Their notes are very pe- 
culiar and will draw attention to them anywhere. 

Song.—A deep grating whistle with a sharply rising inflec- 
tion, “‘zee-zee-zwee.”’ 
Nest.—In deep, swampy woods, especially common in 
laurel; of grapevine bark and rootlets lined with fine black roots 
and hair; the four eggs are white or buffy white with reddish 

brown spots and blotches. 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding fom Connecticut (spar- 
ingly) and Michigan north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; 
winters in Central America. 654a. Cairns Warbler (cairnsi) 
is said to be darker on the back; found in the southern AlI- 
leghanies. 


153 








MYRTLE WARBLER 
655. Dendroica coronata. 54 inches 


Yellow patches on crown, sides, and rump; outer tail feathers 
with large white spots; female duller and browner. 

During migrations these pretty birds are very abundant in 
the United States. They usually travel in large flocks so that a 
small piece of woodland is literally flooded with them when they 
pause in the flight to feed upon insects or small berries. ‘They 
are often known as Yellow-rumped Warblers. 

Song.—A clear, broken trill or warble 

Nest. though sometimes in 
others, and at low elevations; of plant fibres and grasses; the 
four or five eggs are white, spatied and blotched with reddish 
brown (.70 x .54). 

Range.—FEastern N. A., peering from northern New Eng- 
land and Minnesota northward; winters south of the U. S. 





154 


MAGNOLIA WARBLER 
657. Dendroica magnolia. 5 inches 


Male, with black ear patch, back, and necklace; female, with 
the black replaced with grayish; both sexes have a yellow rump 
and white spots midway of the tail feathers. 

One of the prettiest of the Warblers and one of the least 
timid. I have often had one or more of these birds follow me 
the whole length of a piece of woods apparently out of cu- 
riosity, coming down to the nearest twigs within arms’ reach of 
me. Birch woods are their favorites during migrations, al- 
though a few of them will be found almost anywhere. 

Song.—A short, rapidly uttered warble. 

Nest.— Usually in coniferous trees, far out on the longer 
branches, where they are often difficult to get at, of rootlets 
lined with fine black rootlets and hair; four or five white eggs 
with small spots of chestnut around the large end (.60 x .48). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Massachusetts and 
Michigan northward; winters south of the U.S. 


155 








CERULEAN WARBLER 
658. Dendroica cerulea. 5 inches 


Above grayish blue with black streaks, below white with a 
bluish breast band and streaks on the sides; female washed 
with greenish above and yellowish below; both have white 
patches near the ends of the tail feathers. 

These dainty little Warblers are not abundant anywhere, but 
seem to be most so in the central states. They are birds of the 
tree tops, rarely coming down so that they can be distinctly 
seen. They may be more common than supposed, for so small 
a body at such heights can readily be overlooked. . 

Song.—A little warbling trill, ‘‘zee-zee-ze-ee-eep.”’ 

Nest.—In the higher outer branches of large trees usually in 
deep woods; compactly made of dry grasses and cobwebs, 
adorned with a few lichens; eggs white specked at the large end 
with brownish (.65 x .50). 

Range.—Interior portions of the U. S., breeding north to 
Michigan and Minnesota; east to western New York and, 
rarely, southern New England; winters in northern South 
America. 





156 


CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER 
659. Dendroica pennsylvanica. 5 inches 


Yellow crown, black line through eye and on side of throat 
and broad chestnut stripe on sides; female, paler and with less 
chestnut; young greenish yellow above and with no chestnut. 

Nearly every swamp or bush-covered pasture within their 
range shelters one or more pairs of these Warblers. While they 
sometimes feed in the tree tops, they are birds of the lower 
foliage and are usually seen in low bushes. 

Song.—Similar to that of the Yellow Warbler but more 
choppy. 

Nest.—In low bushes or weeds, and often in sweet fern or 
briars; similar to that of the Yellow Warbler but coarser, being 
made more with grasses than with fibres, situated in upright 
forks or attached to several weed stalks; eggs white, specked 
around the large end with reddish brown (.68 x .50). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from New Jersey and 
Ohio north to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters south of 


US: 


157 








BAY-BREASTED WARBLER 
660. Dendroica castanza. 54 inches 


Male, with crown, throat, and sides rich chestnut; female, 
paler; young and adults in winter, greenish above, streaked 
with black and with a trace of chestnut on the flanks. 

These Warblers are only locally abundant during migrations, 
while in eastern New England they are rare. They are active 
insect hunters, darting rapidly about the tree tops or, less often, 
in brush; their habits most nearly resemble those of the Chest- 
nut-sided Warbler. 

Song.—A low, liquid warble. 

Nest.—At low elevations in trees in swampy woods; com- 
pact, cup-shaped structures made of fine shreds of bark, root- 
lets, and grass; eggs bluish white, finely specked around the 
large end with reddish brown (.70 x .50). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern edge of 
the U.S. northward; winters south of the U. S. 


158 


BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER 
662. Dendroica fusca. 5% inches 


Male, black above with large white patch on wing, and bases 
of outer tail feathers white; throat and breast intense orange; 
female duller and with the orange replaced by dull yellow. 

Without exception, this is the most exquisite of the whole 
family; it is the most eagerly sought bird by bird lovers, in the 
spring. Some years they are very abundant, while others few 
are seen, their routes of migration evidently varying. They 
arrive about the time that apple trees are in bloom, and are 
frequently seen among the blossoms, dashing after insects. 

Song.—A_ high-pitched lisping ‘“‘zwe-zwe-zwe-see-ee-ee,” 
ending in a thin, wiry tone, almost a hiss; it is very distinct 
from the song of any other bird. 

Nest.—In coniferous trees at any height from the ground; of 
shreds of bark, fine cedar twigs, rootlets, etc.; eggs greenish 
white blotched with brown. 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Massachusetts 
(rarely) and Minnesota northward; winters in Central America. 


159 








BLACK-POLL WARBLER 
661. Dendroica striata, &4 inches 


Whole crown black; female, without black cap, greenish 
gray above streaked with black; young paler than the female. 

These birds are one of the latest of the migrants to arrive, 
reaching northern United States about the last of May, but 
coming in such numbers that they are found everywhere. 
While their plumage somewhat resembles that of the Black and 
White Warbler, their habits are entirely different. 

Song.—A high-pitched, hissing whistle similar to that of the 
Black and White Warbler but uttered more deliberately and 
with an instant’s pause between each note. 

Nest.—At low elevations in thick coniferous trees; made of 
slender twigs, rootlets, and lichens, lined with hair or feathers; 
eggs whitish, thickly spotted with brown (.75 x .52). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from northern New 
England, Minnesota, and Wyoming north to the Arctic regions; 
winters south of the United States. 


160 


YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER 
663. Dendroica dominica. 5% inches 


Throat, breast, and line from eye to bill yellow. 

This species has habits very similar to those of the Black and 
White Creeper, being often seen creeping around the trunks or 
over the branches of trees with almost as much facility as the 
Nuthatches. They are southern birds and are only rarely or 
accidentally found in the northern half of the U. 8., and they 
are one of the few members of the family that winter in the 
southern parts of our country. 

Song.—Loud and similar to that of the Indigo Bunting, but 
shorter. 

Nest.— Usually high up in pines and often concealed in tufts 
of moss; made of fine twigs and strips of bark, held together 
with cobwebs and Spanish moss; eggs greenish white, spotted 
with various shades of brown. 

Range.—Southeastern U. S., breeding north to Virginia; 
winters in the West Indies. 663a. Sycamore Warbler 
(albilora) is like the Yellow-throated, but is white before the 
eye; found in the Mississippi Valley north to Illinois and Iowa; 
winters in Mexico. 





16) 





GOLDEN-CHEEKEP WARBLER 
666. Dendroica chrysoparia. 4%} inches 


In some plumages these birds may be confused with the 
Black-throated Green. Notice that the adult male has a short 
median line of yellow on the crown, otherwise the top of head 
and entire back are intense black. Young birds, which bear 
the closest resemblance to the next species, can be distinguished 
because their underparts are white, those of the Black-throated 
Green being tinged with yellow. 

These rare Warblers have a very restricted distribution, but 
are said to be not uncommon within their range. 

Notes.—Song with the usual Warbler quality, but entirely 
distinctive: “‘sweah-sweah-swee-e-e.” 

Nest.—Of strips of bark, usually located in juniper trees six 
to twenty feet above ground. Eggs white, splashed about the 
large end with reddish brown (.65 x .50). 

Range.—Central Texas southward into Mexico. 


162 


BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER 
667. Dendroica virens. 5 inches 


Throat black; two wing bars and outer tail feathers white; 
female with little black on the throat. 

A common bird in pine groves in northern United States, or 
during migrations in birch woods. I have found them most 
abundant on side hills covered with low-growth pines. They 
seem to be very nervous and are greatly excited if you appear 
near their nests. They often have the habit of building several 
nests, whether with the deliberate intent to deceive or whether 
because the first was not satisfactory as to location is not 
known. 

Song.—Entirely different from that of any other bird; a 
rather harsh ‘“‘zee’’ repeated six times, with the fourth and fifth 
syllables lower. 

Nest.—Of rootlets and fine grasses, lined with hair; placed 
high up in pine trees; eggs white with fine brown specks around 
the large end (.60 x .50). 

Range.—Eastern North America, breeding from southern 
New England and Illinois north to Nova Scotia and Hudson 
Bay; winters in Central America. 


163 








KIRTLAND WARBLER 
670. Dendroica kirtlandi. 5% inches 


Above bluish gray streaked with black; underparts pale 
yellow streaked on the side with black. 

This is one of the rarest of American Warblers, and until 
1903 but little was known of their habits or range; in that year 
they were discovered nesting in Oscoda County, Michigan. 
They were found near the banks of a river in jack pines, build- 
ing on the ground and remaining in the underbrush near it. 

Song.—Loud and clear and said to resemble that of the 
Maryland Yellow-throat. 

Nest.—In depressions in the ground at the foot of pine trees 
and probably also under bushes; made of strips of bark and 
vegetable fibres; eggs white, wreathed about the large end with 
brown (.72 x .56). 

Range.—Breeds in Michigan and migrates southeast 
through Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, the Carolinas, and 
Florida to the Bahamas. - 


164 


PINE WARBLER 
671. Dendroica vigorst. 5% inches 


Greenish yellow above, brighter below; two white wing bars 
and white spots on outer tail feathers; female, duller and 
grayer. 

Found only in tracts of coniferous trees, except during mi- 
grations, when they are often in company with other kinds of 
Warblers. They like dry hillsides covered with scrub pines 
and are often quite abundant in such localities. They are 
rather quiet in their manners, creeping about among the tree 
tops like Black and White Warblers and occasionally giving 
their clear little trill. 

Song.—Nearest like that of the Chipping Sparrow, but 
easily distinguishable; a long, clear trill. 

Nest.—A small, compact structure of black rootlets lined 
with hair; placed in the extreme tops of scrub pines, where it is 
very difficult to see them; eggs white specked with reddish 
brown (.62 x .50). 

Range.—FEastern N. A., beeing from the Gulf north to 
southern Canada; winters in southern U. S. 


165 








PALM WARBLER 
672. Dendroica palmarum. 5% inches 


No wing bars, but white spots on the outer tail feathers; 
crown, cheeks, and streaks on the sides chestnut. 

During migrations you will find these Warblers along road- 
sides, in open woods and scrubby pastures. They are of a very 
nervous temperament and, when at rest or when walking, are 
continually flirting their tail, a habit which none of the War- 
blers, except the Water-thrush, seem to have. They are one of 
the earliest of the family to appear in the spring, reaching 
northern United States in April. 

Song.—A short trill; an ordinary Warbler chirp. 

Nest.—On the ground under shrubs, or sunken in moss; 
made of fine grasses, bark, and moss; the four eggs are creamy 
white with reddish-brown spots. 

Range.—Interior of N. A., breeding in the interior of 
British America; winters in southern U. S. 672a. Yellow 
Palm Warbler (hypochrysea) is brighter yellow below; it is 
found in eastern N. A., breeding north of Nova Scotia; winters 
along the Gulf. 


166 


PRAIRIE WARBLER 
673. Dendroica discolor. 432 inches 


Above greenish with chestnut spots on the back; below yel- 
low with black markings; female paler. 

These are very locally distributed birds and will often be 
found breeding abundantly in a small patch of brush-covered 
pasture, while many others apparently just as well suited for 
their purposes will be shunned by them. They are very active, 
flitting rapidly from one bush to another, the male occasionally 
mounting to a bush top to hurriedly deliver his song, then 
diving out of sight below the foliage. 

Song.—An energetic, rather harsh “‘zee-zee-zee-ee”” on an 
ascending scale. 

Nest.—A neat cup of grasses and vegetable fibres, lined with 
black rootlets or horsehair; located in low shrubs or bushes 
from one to two feet above ground; eggs whitish with blackish- 
brown specks about the large end (.65 x .48). 

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf to Massa- 
chusetts and southern Michigan; winters in the West Indies. 


167 








OVEN-BIRD 
674. Seiurus aurocapillus. 6 inches 


Crown orange brown bordered by black; no white in wings or 
tail. 

This bird is found in open woods, where it builds its arched 
nest on the ground among the leaves or pine needles. It is the 
peculiar oven-like construction of their nests that gives them 
their name. They are essentially ground birds, only mounting 
to the lower. branches of trees to sing or when scolding an in- 
truder. 

Song.—A peculiar ascending song resembling the word 
teacher, repeated five or six times and gathering strength and 
volume with each syllable; call, a sharp chip. 

Nest.—Of leaves, strips of bark, and grass arched over the 
top so as to leave a very small opening; placed on the ground in 
woods; four to six white eggs spotted with reddish brown 
(.78 x .58). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in the northern half of 
the U.S. and north to Labrador; winters chiefly south of U.S. 


168 


WATER-THRUSH 
675. Seturus noveboracensis. 6 inches 


This species always has a yellowish tinge to the underparts 
and the stripes beneath are narrow, but prominent. These 
Warblers are found in tangled underbrush near water. They 
have a habit of continually flirting their tails, thus giving them 
the local name of Water-Wagtail. Their call is a sharp 
metallic “chink”; their song a loud, liquid “‘quit-quit-quit- 
que-quewe-u.” Breeds from the northern edge of the U. S. 
northward; winters south of U.S. 


LOUISIANA WATER-THRUSH 
676. Seturus motacilla. 6% inches 


Larger, grayer above and whiter below than the preceding; 
stripes fewer and broader. ‘This is a more southern species and 
breeds from the Gulf to Connecticut and southern Minnesota. 
Its notes are wild and ringing, like those of the last. They 
build their nests under the roots of trees or under the edges 
of overhanging banks. The eggs are creamy white, boldly 
blotched with brown. 


¢ 





169 





KENTUCKY WARBLER 
677. Oporornis formosa. 5% inches 


Crown and ear coverts black, underparts and line over eye 
yellow; no white in the plumage. 

These birds are found in about such localities as are fre- 
quented by Oven-birds, but with a preference for woods which 
are low and damp. They are locally common in some of the 
southern and central states. They are active gleaners of the 
underbrush, keeping well within the depths of tangled thick- 
ets. Like the Maryland Yellow-throat, which has similar 
habits to those of this bird, they are quite inquisitive and fre- 
quently come close to you to investigate or to-scold. 

Song.—A loud, musical, Wren-like warble. 

Nest.—A bulky structure of leaves, barks, and grasses, lined 
with black rootlets or horsehair; placed on the ground in 
bunches of weeds or at the foot of a small bush; the four or five 
eggs are quite heavily speckled, chiefly at the large end, with 
reddish brown. 

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north to 
New York and southern Michigan; winters in northern South 
America. 


170 


CONNECTICUT WARBLER 
678. Oporornis agilis. 5% inches 


Male with a bluish slate-colored head; eye ring white and 
completely encircling the eye; female with a saffron-colored 
head. 

In the United States we find this Warbler only in spring and 
fall migrations. They appear to be much more rare in the 
spring than in the fall; while I have seen perhaps a hundred in 
the fall I have never seen but one in spring. They frequent 
wild tangled thickets, such as you often find Maryland Yellow- 
throats in. As they do most of their feeding upon the ground 
and remain in the depths of the thickets, they are rarely seen 
unless attention is drawn to them. 

Song.—Somewhat like that of the Maryland Yellow-throat; 
call, a sharp, metallic “‘peenk.” 

Nest.—In thickets or clumps of briars, either on the ground 
or just above it; made of strips of bark and skeletons of leaves 
lined with hair; eggs whitish sparingly specked at the large end 
with brown (.75 x .56). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding north of the U. S., winters 
in northern South America. 








171 








MOURNING WARBLER 
679. Oporornis philadelphia. 5%4 inches 


Similar to the last, but with no eye ring and with a black 
patch on the breast. 

These birds are found in swamps and thickets, as well as 
among the bushes and weeds along walls, fences, and the edges 
of woods. Their habits are like those of the Maryland Yellow- 
throats, they being found on or near the ground, scratching 
about among the leaves or gleaning insects from the foliage of 
the low shrubbery. They appear to be the most abundant in 
the middle states and northward. 

Song.—Similar to the liquid song of the Water-Thrush; call, 
a sharp “peenk,” like that of the last. 

Nest.—On or near the ground in thickets or tangled vines; 
made of fine bark strips and fibres, lined with hair; eggs white 
specked with reddish brown (.71 x .54). 

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from northern New 
England, Ohio, and Michigan north to southern Canada; 
winters south of the U.S. 


172 


MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT 
681. Geothlypis trichas. 51 inches 


One of our most common birds in swamps and also in shrub- 
bery along roadsides or walls. ‘They are very inquisitive, and 
their bright eyes will peek at you from behind some leaf or 
shrub as long as you are in sight. 

Song.—A lively “witchity-witchity-witch”’; call, a deep 
chip; also a rattling note of alarm. 

Nest.—Of grapevine and grasses, located in clumps of 
weeds on or nearly touching the ground; eggs white with brown 
specks (.70 x .50). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the Gulf to New 
Jersey. 

Sub-Species.—68la. Western Yellow-throat (occidentalis), 
said to be brighter; found chiefly west of the Rockies, but 
east to the Plains. 681b. Florida Yellow-throat (ignota), 
South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. 681d. Northern Yellow- 
throat (brachidactyla), slightly larger and deeper colored; 
found in northeastern U. S. and southeastern Canada, west to 
Dakota and south through the Mississippi Valley to the Gulf. 


173 








YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT 
683. Icteria virens. '% inches 


Breast yellow, lores black, line over the eye and underparts 
white; no white on wings or tail. 

Dry side hills and ravines covered with thick underbrush are 
the places to look for Chats. Usually if they are present they 
will make themselves heard long before you see them. ‘They 
are one of the most odd birds both in action and song. They 
are mimics of the highest order. and can make any kind of 
whistle or squawk, but all their vocal efforts seem to require a 
great deal of flirting of the tail and twisting of the head. They 
even jerk their tail up and down while flying, this making them 
appear extremely ludicrous. 

Song.—A varied medley of whistles and calls. 

Nest.—Near the ground in tangled thickets; of grass, weeds, 
etc.; eggs whitish plentifully specked with reddish brown 
(.90 x .70). 

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding north to Massachusetts 
and southern Minnesota; winters in Central America. 683a. 
Long-tailed Chat (longicauda) is found in the U. S. from the 
Plains to the Pacific. 


174 


HOODED WARBLER 
684. Wailsonia citrina. 5% inches 


Male with yellow forehead and cheeks, the rest of the head 
and throat being black; female much duller with little or no 
black; both sexes have white spots on the outer tail feathers, 
but no bars on the wings. 

This is one of the liveliest of the family, being very active in 
catching insects on the wing like a true Flycatcher; because of 
this habit all the members of this genus are often called Fly- 
catching Warblers. They also have a habit of often spreading 
and folding the tail as they flit through the underbrush that 
they frequent. 

Song.—A clear, liquid series of whistles; call, a sharp “chip.” 

Nest.—Within a few inches of the ground in low under- 
brush or vines; made of leaves, bark, etc., held firmly together 
with cobwebs; the fcur or five eggs are white, profusely spotted 
with reddish brown. 

Range.—FKastern U.S., breeding from the Gulf to southern 
Connecticut and Michigan; winters south of the U.S. 


175 








WILSON WARBLER 
685. Wailsonia pusilla. 5 inches 


Male, with black crown patch; female, with the crown green- 
ish like the back. 

These little fly-catching Warblers are abundant in the 
United States during migrations, being found in woods or 
swamps, and very often‘in apple trees when they are in bloom. 
They fly about among the outer branches snatching insects 
from the foliage or blossoms, and often dashing out to catch one 
that is flying by. Their natural quickness is intensified by their 
very attractive plumage which harmonizes perfectly with 
green leaves. 

Song.—A simple and rather weak trill. 

Nest.—Of leaves and bark, imbedded in the ground under 
bushes on the edges of swamps or woods; eggs white, specked 
with reddish brown (.60 x .48). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern edge of 
the U. S. northward; winters in Central America. ‘Two sub- 
species are found west of the Rockies. 


176 o 


CANADIAN WARBLER 
686. Wilsonia canadensis. 5% inches 


Male, with a necklace of black spots, white eye ring and 
lores; female, and young, with only a slight indication of the 
necklace. 

These Warblers travel northward in company with many 
other kinds, always keeping in the underbrush near the 
ground, except when they come out into orchards and parks. 
Like the two last, they are very lively, rarely remaining still for 
more than a few seconds, before they must dash after some 
tempting morsel that is flying by. 

Song.—A loud liquid warble, most nearly resembling that of 
the Water-Thrush; call, a sharp, querulous chip. 

Nest.—Of rootlets and strips of bark, under roots of trees or 
shrubs or at the foot of stumps in the moss; the four eggs are 
white with a wreath of chestnut spots around the large end 
(.68 x .50). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Massachusetts and 
Michigan northward; winters in northern South America. 


177 








AMERICAN REDSTART 
687. Setophaga ruticilla. 53 inches 


Male, black, orange and white; female, grayish, yellow and 
white; it requires two or three years to attain the black plumage 
of the male, in the intermediate stages they are sometimes 
strangely mottled. 

In the northeastern half of the United States, these are one of 
the commonest and most active of the species. Both the males 
and females seem to be proud of their handsome plumage and 
are continually spreading and closing their tails. They are 
equally happy whether in the tree tops or near the ground, and 
are as often found in the one place as the other. 

Song.—“*‘Che-wee, che-wee, che-wee,” very similar to that 
of the Yellow Warbler and also the Chestnut-sided Warbler. 

Nest.—Of plant fibres and grasses in forks of bushes or 
trees, usually at greater heights than those of the Yellow War- 
bler; eggs whitish specked with brown. 

Range.—N. A., rare west of the Rockies, breeding from 
North Carolina and Missouri northward; winters south of the 


JOR 


178 x 


AMERICAN PIPIT; TITLARK 
697. Anthus rubescens. 6% inches 


These are Arctic birds that spend the winter months in the 
United States. We find them in flocks along roadsides or in 
fields, feeding upon weed seeds. They are shy and take wing 
readily, uttering sharp whistles as they wheel about in the air. 
They are always restless and stay in a place but a short time. 
They nest on the ground in northern Canada. Eggs grayish, 
profusely specked with brown. 


SPRAGUE PIPIT 
700. Anthus spraguet. 6% inches 


Upper parts streaked with buff and blackish; below pale 
buffy with black markings. These birds are found on the 
Plains from the Dakotas to Hudson Bay in summer, migrating 
to Mexico in winter. They resemble the European Skylark 
in their habit of soaring to a great height while singing. ‘Their 
song is very melodious, resembling that of the Bobolink. Their 
nests are depressions in the ground, lined with grasses. Eggs 
grayish, finely specked with purplish gray (.87 x .67). 

179 








SAGE THRASHER 
702. Oreoscoptes montanus. 8% inches 


This species is often known as the Mountain Mockingbird 
because of the brilliance of its song, a very varied performance, 
long continued and mocking that of many other species. They 
inhabit sage-brush regions and are partial to the lower portions 
of the country, although frequently met in open mountains. 
They are not shy and can readily be located by their voices. 

Nest.—In bushes, especially the sage and cactus; a loose 
structure made of bark strips, small twigs, and coarse grasses 
lined with fine rootlets. The three or four eggs have a rich 
greenish-blue ground, spotted with bright reddish brown 
(.95 x .70). 

Range.—Sage-brush regions of western United States from 
the Plains to the Pacific; winters in Mexico and Lower Cali- 
fornia. 


180 - 


MOCKINGBIRD 
703. Mimus polyglottos. 10% inches 


General colors, gray and white; bases of primaries and outer | 
tail feathers with white. 

This is the great vocalist of the South, and by many is con- 
sidered to be the most versatile singer in America. Itisfound © 
in gardens, pastures, and open woods. Allits habits are similar — 
to our Catbird, and like that species, it is given to imitating the 
notes of other birds. 

Song.—An indescribable medley, sometimes very sweet and 
pleasing, at others, harsh and unmusical. 

Nest.—Usually built in impenetrable thickets or hedges, or 
again in more open situation in the garden; made of twigs and 
rootlets, lined with black rootlets; the four or five eggs are 
bluish green with blotches of reddish brown (.95 x .70). 

Range.—Southern U. S., breeding north to New Jersey 
(and casually farther) and Ohio; winters in the South Atlantic 
and Gulf states. 703a. Western Mockingbird (leucopterus) 
is found in southwestern VU. 8., north to Indian Territory and 
California. 


181 








CATBIRD 
704. Dumetella carolinensis. 9 inches 


General color dark gray with a black cap and chestnut under 
tail coverts. 

This is one of the most common birds throughout the United 
States, being found equally abundantly in gardens, swamps and 
scrubby pastures. They are very persistent songsters, and 
have a large repertoire of notes, as well as being able to imitate 
those of many other birds. They delight in spending an hour 
or more at a time, perched in a bush or tree top, singing, and 
apparently making their song up as they go along, for it is an 
indescribable medley interspersed with various mews and cat 
calls. 

Song.—A medley like that of the Mockingbird; sometimes 
pleasing, sometimes not. 

Nest.—In hedges or thickets; made of twigs, rootlets, and 
grass, lined with fine black roots; the four eggs are plain green- 
ish blue (.95 x .70). 

Range.—N. A., breeding from the Gulf to New Brunswick 
and Hudson Bay; rare west of the Rockies; winters from the 
Gulf States southward. 


182 = 


BROWN THRASHER 


705. Toxostoma rufum. 113 inches 


Above bright reddish brown; below white with black spots. 

Taken as a whole I think that the song of this Thrasher is the 
most*musical and pleasing of any that I have ever heard. It 
has‘a similarity to that of the Catbird, but is rounder, fuller, and 
has none of the grating qualities of the song of that species. 
They apparently have a song of their own and do not deign to 
copy that of others. They are one of the most useful and 
desirable birds that we have. 

Song.—A bright and cheerful carol, often long continued, 
but always clear and sweet; call, a clear whistled “wheuu.” 

Nest.—Of twigs and rootlets, in hedges, thickets, or thorn 
bushes; the four or five eggs are bluish white with numerous 
fine dots or reddish brown over the entire surface (1.08 x .80). 
~ Range.—FEastern N. A., breeding from the Gulf to southern 
Canada; winters in the southern half of the U. S. 


183 





: CACTUS WREN 
713. Heleodytes brunneicapillus. 8% inches 







Cactus groves are the favorite resorts of these large Wrens. 
_Often a bed of cactus not more than thirty feet square will con- 
tain the homes of half a dozen pairs of them. Like all the mem- 
bers of the family, they are very sprightly and have violent 
tempers, scolding any one or anything that incurs their dis- 
pleasure. 

Nest.—Their nests are placed in cactus. or other thorny 
shrubs; they are very large, purse-shaped affairs with an en- 
trance on the side; they are made of little thorny twigs and 
grasses woven together, and the interior is warmly lined with 
feathers. The four or five eggs are creamy white, finely 
sprinkled with reddish brown (.95 x .65). Two or three broods 
are often raised in a season. 

Range.—Southwestern border of the United States, ranging 
from southern Texas to California. 


184 a 


ROCK WREN | 
715. Salpinctes obsoletus. 5% inches 


Upper parts stone color, specked with black; rump brownish; 
underparts whitish with indistinct streaks on the throat. 

A common bird on the dry, rocky foothills of the Rockies and 
westward. They are well named, for their favorite places are 
among the rocks, where they are always busily engaged in 
hunting insects or spiders in the crevices. Owing to their 
colors and their habits of slinking away behind the rocks they 
are quite difficult to see, but their sweet song is always heard 
if any of the birds are in the vicinity. 

Song.—Very sweet and varied, almost canary-like, but im- 
possible to describe; call, a harsh grating note. 

Nest.—Of sticks, weeds, grasses, etc., concealed in crevices 
among the rocks; the five or six eggs are white, sparingly 
specked with redddish brown (.72 x .54). 

Range.—Western U. S. from the western border of the 
Plains to the Pacific, north to Dakota and British Columbia; 
winters from southwestern U.S. southward. 


185 








CAROLINA WREN 
718. Thryothorus ludovicianus. 5% inches 


Above rusty brown and below washed with the same, the 
throat and line over the eye being white. 

Like all the Wrens, this one commonly sits or flits about in 
the brush, with the tail erect over the body; only when singing 
it is held downward. ‘Their flight is usually only for a short 
distance, accomplished by rapid wing beats and with a jerking 
motion of the tail. 

Song.—Loud and tinkling, and utterly impossible to de- 
scribe. 

Nest.—In brush heaps, holes in trees, bird boxes or bushes; 
made of weeds, grass, and any trash that they may pick up; 
eggs, five to seven in number, white, specked with reddish 
brown (.74 x .60). 

Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from the Gulf north to 
Connecticut and Illinois; resident. 718a. Florida Wren 
(miamensis) is found in southern Florida. 718b. Lomita 
Wren (lomitensis), found in southern Texas. 


186 % 


BEWICK WREN 
719. Thryomanes bewickit. 5 inches 


Above dark brown; below and line over eye whitish; tail 
blackish with the outer feathers barred with white. 

Like all the Wrens, these seem to be very restless and are con- 
tinually creeping about in brush heaps or along stone walls, 
fences, or over fallen trees or stumps. They are locally abund- 
ant in interior United States, in some sections entirely replacing 
the House Wren. 

Song.—A sweet chant of liquid melodious notes. 

Nest.—In any location that happens to take the bird’s 
fancy, such as holes in trees, bird boxes, in barns, sheds, etc.; 
made of straw, grass, and trash; eggs white profusely specked 
with reddish brown. 

Range.— Mississippi Valley and the Plains north to South 
Dakota; east to the Alleghanies and casually to the South 
Atlantic States. 719c. Texas Bewick Wren (crythus) is 

iound from Texas north to Indian Territory. 





187 








HOUSE WREN 
721. Troglodytes edon. 4% inches 


Above brownish with tail and wings barred; below dull gray- 
ish, barred on the flanks with brown. 

These are bold, sociable, and confiding birds, seeming to pre- 
fer men’s society, building their nests in bird boxes that are 
erected for them, or in the most unexpected situations about 
buildings. They are one of the most beneficial birds that can 
be attracted to one’s yard, feeding wholly upon insects. 

Song.—Loud, clear, and bubbling over with enthusiasm. 

Nest.—Of grass or weeds, stuffed into any crevice that takes 
their fancy, frequently in bird boxes and holes in orchard trees; 
eggs white, so minutely and thickly dotted with pinkish brown 
as to nearly conceal the ground color (.64 x .52). 

Range.—FEastern N. A., breeding north to Maine and Mani- 
toba; winters along the Gulf coast. 721b. Western House 
Wren (aztecus) is found from the Plains to the Pacific Coast 
ranges. 





188 a 


WINTER WREN 
722. Nannus hiemalis. 4 inches 


Above bright cinnamon, below paler; sides, wings, and tail 
heavily barred with black. 

This is the shortest and most stoutly built Wren that we 
have. They look very pert with their little stubby tail erect 
over their back. In most of the United States we only see 
them in the winter, and they are associated, in my mind, with 
brush heaps in woods and gardens. They will hide in a small 
pile of brush, running from side to side, so that it is almost im- 
-possible to make them leave it. 

Song.—A rippling flow of melody, not as loud, but more 
musical than that of the House Wren. 

Nest.—In brush heaps, tin cans, hollow stumps or crevices 
in unoccupied buildings; made of piles of grass, weeds, etc., 
lined with feathers; eggs white, sparingly specked with reddish 
brown (.65 x .50). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern edge 
of the U. S. northward; winters from its breeding range to the 


Gulf. 


189 








SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN 
724. Cistothorus stellaris. 5% inches 


This species can readily be distinguished from the next, as 
the whole crown is streaked with black and white, whereas that 
of the Long-bill is uniformly colored. Both species are marsh 
birds, at home among the reeds, to which they attach their 
globular woven nests, with the little entrance in the side. The 
eggs of this species are pure white. It is found in eastern N. A. 
from the Gulf to southern Canada. 


LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN_ 


725. Telmatodytes palustris. 5% inches 


The bill of this species is .5 inch or more in length; that of the 
last is .4inch or less. This species is by far the most abundant. 
Its eggs are so profusely dotted with dark brown as to appear a 
chocolate color. Breeds from the Gulf to Massachusetts and 
Manitoba. 


190 = 


BROWN CREEPER 
726. Certhia familaris americana. 5} inches 


Tail feathers stiffened and pointed; rump rusty. 

These odd birds are fairly common throughout the United 
States in winter. They will be found in woods always climb- 
ing up tree trunks, carefully investigating every crevice in the 
bark for larve or grubs. When they reach the top of one tree, 
they drop to the foot of the next and continue the operation. 
They are very tame, not seeming to comprehend that danger 
can befall them, for they will allow any one to approach very 
closely, so that they have been caught under a hat. 

Song.—A very faint trill; call, a weak ‘“‘tseep,’ hardly 
noticeable unless very near them. 

Nest.—Of twigs, moss and bark, behind loose bark on dead 
trees or stumps, usually not high above the ground; eggs white, 
specked with reddish brown. 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from northern New 
England and Minnesota northward; winters throughout the 


Uns. 


191 








WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH 
727. Sitta carolinensis. 6 inches 


Male with the crown bluish black; female with the: crown 
gray; both sexes with chestnut under tail coverts. 

These birds seem to be-the very opposite of the Brown 
Creepers. ‘Their tails are short and square, and nearly always 
pointed toward the zenith, for Nuthatches usually clamber 
among the branches and down the tree trunks, head first. 

Note.—A nasal “yank-yank,” and a repeated “‘ya-ya,”’ all 
on the same tone. | 

Nest.—In cavities of hollow limbs and trunks of trees at any 
elevation from the ground; the cavity is filled with leaves and 
usually lined with feathers; eggs white, spotted with reddish 
brown (.75 x .55). 

Range.—Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to 
southern Canada; resident in most of its range. 727b. Florida 
White-breasted Nuthatch (atkinsi) is slightly smaller; other 
races are found west of the Rockies. 


192 








RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH 


728. Sitta canadensis. 4% inches 


These birds have the same habits as the larger Nuthatch, but 
are often found in flocks, while the White-breasted are usually 
in pairs and in the fall accompanied by their young. In the 
winter we usually find them in coniferous trees, where we can 
locate them by their nasal calls or by the shower of bark that 
they pry from the tree in their quest for grubs. 

Song.—A nasal “ yank-yank,”’ like that of the last, but not 
so loud, and usually repeated more times. 

Nest.—In hollow stumps and limbs, the area about the 
opening nearly always being coated with fir balsam, for what 
purpose is not known; the cavity is lined with grasses and 
feathers; they lay from four to seven white eggs, which are very 
thickly spotted with reddish brown (.60 x .50). 

Range.—N. A., breeding from the northern parts of the 
northern tier of states, northward; winters south nearly to the 
Gulf and southern California. 


193 








BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH 
729. Sitta pusilla. 4% inches 


Crown brownish with a white patch on the nape. 

These diminutive Nuthatches are found in the southern 
states. Their general habits do not appear to differ from those 
of other members of the family. ‘They nest very early, com-: 
mencing to excavate their holes in January and having com- 
plete sets of eggs as early as the middle of February. 

They usually are found in small flocks and at night they will 
often be seen flying to the top of a pine where they sleep, all 
huddled together. 

Note.—A continued twittering “nya-nya.” 

Nest.—In cavities of dead limbs or stumps, sometimes only 
a few inches from the ground, and again as high as fifty feet; 
they lay five or six eggs, white with numerous spots of reddish 
brown (.62 x .49). 

Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf states, breeding north to 
Virginia. 





194 S: 


TUFTED TITMOUSE 
731. Beolophus bicolor. 6 inches 


Head crested, forehead black, flanks brownish. The habits 
of this large Titmouse are almost identical with those of Chick- 
adees. They swing from the ends of twigs in all manner of 
positions and creep about trunks, peering in crevices of the bark 
for insects. ‘They are common in the southern states, breeding 
from the Gulf to New York and Illinois; they are resident in 
the southern portion of their range. Their eggs are laid in soft 
nests of down and feathers in hollow stumps. Their notes are 


loud, clear whistles. 
BLACK-CRESTED TITMOUSE 


732. Beolophus atricristatus. 6 inches 


Crest black, forehead white, flanks rusty. The habits of 
this species are just like those of the very similar preceding one. 
The birds are very tame, especially so during the nesting season, 
when they will allow themselves to be lifted from the nest by 
hand. They are found in southern and western Texas. 


195 


A 








BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE > 
735. Penthestes atricapillus. 5% inches 


The Chickadees are one of the most popular birds that we 
have, owing to their uniform good nature even in the coldest 
weather, and their confiding disposition. ‘They are common 
about farms, and even on the outskirts of large cities they will 
come to feasts prepared for them on the window sill. 

Notes.—A clear “ phe-be”’; a “chick-a-dee-dee-dee”’ or “‘dee- 
dee-dee,”’ and several scolding or chuckling notes. 

Nest.—In hollow stumps at any elevation from the ground 
but usually near the ground, and most often in birch stubs; 
eggs white, sparingly specked with reddish brown. 

Range.—Kastern N. A., breeding in the northern half of the 
U. S. and northward; resident. 

736. Carolina Chickadee (Parus carolinensis) is similar to 
the last but smaller and with no white edges to the wing 
feathers; length 43 inches; found in southeastern U. S., breed- 
ing north to Virginia and Ohio. 


196 c 


HUDSONIAN CHICKADEE 
740. Penthestes hudsonicus. 5 inches 


Crown and back brownish. 

The habits of this little northerner are like those of the bird 
that we know so well; if anything they are even more tame than 
‘our bird, especially in the vicinity of lumbermen’s camps. 
‘They are only met with along our northern border or casually 
farther south; I have seen one individual in company with other 
Chickadees in Massachusetts. 

Song.—Not distinguishable from that of our Chickadee, but 
uttered more incessantly. 

Nest.—In cavities of stumps, trees, posts, or telephone poles, 
the cavity being lined with grass, feathers, and fur; the six or 
seven eggs are white sprinkled with brown (.60 x .46). 

Range.—Resident in Canada and the northern border of the 
as: 


197 








VERDIN; YELLOW-HEADED TIT 
746. Auriparus flaviceps. 4% inches 


Adult male with the head and throat yellow, usually with 
some concealed orange brown on the forehead; lesser wing- 
coverts reddish brown. The female is colored very similarly 
but is much duller. These are among the smallest of N. A. 
birds; they are even smaller than their length would indicate, 
ior their bodies are slender. The birds are usually found in 
high dry portions of the country where cacti and thorny bushes 
predominate. 

Nest.—Their nests are remarkable structures for so dimin- 
utive birds; flask-shaped, the outside being a mass of thorny 
twigs and stems interwoven; this is lined with feathers and the 
entrance is a small circular hole near the top. The eggs are 
bluish white specked around the large end with reddish brown. 

Range.— Mexican border of the United States from southern 
Texas to Arizona and Lower California. 


198 


GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET 
748. Regulus satrapa, 4 inches 


Male with crown orange and yellow, bordered with black; 
female with yellow crown. 

Although very small, these birds are very rugged and endure 
the severe storms and low temperatures of our northern states 
apparently with little concern, for they always seem to be 
happy. They are always busily engaged among the under- 
brush of side hills and along the banks of brooks, hunting for 
the scanty fare that awaits them. 

Song.—A few weak chips, chirps and trills. 

Nest.—A large ball of soft green mosses and feathers, sus- 
pended from the small twigs in the tops of coniferous trees; it is 
neatly hollowed out for the reception of the six to nine eggs that 
are laid, eggs creamy white, minutely but profusely specked 
with brown (.56 x .44). 

Range.—N. A., breeding from northern U. S. northward 
and farther south in mountain ranges; winters throughout 


the U.S. 


199 








RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET 
749. Regulus calendula. 4+ inches 


Male with a concealed patch of red on the crown; female with 
no red. 

Like the last, these are chiefly winter visitants in the United 
States, and they do not remain with us in the coldest weather, 
but pass on-to the southern half of our country. They are 
nearly always met with in pine or other coniferous trees, being 
very abundant in spring in open pine woods and parks. 

Song.—A clear warble, surprisingly loud and varied for so 
small a bird; call, a grating chatter. 

Nest.—A ball of moss, grass and feathers, deeply cupped, 
like that of the last; partially suspended among the small twigs 
in the tops of coniferous trees; eggs white more sparingly 
marked than those of the last (.55 x .43). 

Range.—N. A., breeding northward from the northern 
boundary of the U.S. and farther south in mountains; winters 
in the southern half of the U.S. 


200 4 


BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER 


751. Polioptila cerulea. 44 inches 


Forehead black; tail black with white edges and tips to the 
outer ones. 

Their food is chiefly insects, which they are very expert in 
catching, taking them on the wing with great celerity. Their 
movements are all very rapid, flitting from one part of a tree to 
another, but usually among the upper branches. Their nests 
are among the most beautiful of bird architecture, even sur- 
passing that of the Hummingbird. 

Song.—Sweet, but very faint. 

Nest. 1 
heights; made of plant fibres, woolly substances, and cobwebs, 
adorned with handsome lichens; the walls are very high and 
thick, the bird sitting so low inside that only her tail is visible; 
the four or five eggs are bluish white specked with reddish 
brown (.56 x .44). 

Range.—Eastern U.S., breeding north to New Jersey and. 
Illinois. 


L 





201 








WOOD THRUSH 
755. Hylocichla mustelina. 8 inches 


Reddish brown above, brightest on the head; below white 
heavily spotted with black. 

These large Thrushes are locally abundant in swamps and 
moist woodland. They are one of our best songsters, their 
tones being very rich and flute-like, and, like most of the 
Thrushes, their songs are most often heard along toward night. 

Song.—Very clear and flute-like, containing many notes of 
the scale; often two or morebirds answer back and forth from 
different parts of the woods; calls, a sharp “‘quit, quit,” and a 
liquid “‘quirt.” 

Nest.—Either in forks or on horizontal boughs of bushes or 
trees, usually not more than ten feet from the ground; made of 
grass, weeds, leaves, and some mud; the three or four eggs are 
bluish green (1.02 x .75). 

Range.—Eastern U.S., breeding from Virginia and Missouri 
north to Maine, Ontario, and Minnesota, winters south of the 


Uys: 


202 Ss 


WILSON THRUSH OR VEERY 
756. Hylocichia fuscescens. ‘'7z inches 


Entire upper parts a uniform reddish brown; below soiled 
white with a few faint marks on the breast. 

This species is more abundant than the last. It is found in 
swamps and also in dry open woods, they being especially 
numerous where ferns grow luxuriantly. 

Song.—Very peculiar and not nearly as melodious as that of 
the Wood Thrush, but still attractive; a slightly descending 
**too-whe-u-whe-u-whe-u’’; call, a:clear “‘whee-you.” 

Nest.—On the ground among the leaves, on hummocks, or 
in tangled masses of briars; made of strips of bark and leaves; 
eggs greenish blue, darker and smaller than those of the Wood 
Thrush (.88 x .65). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in the northern half of the 
United States and southern Canada; winters in Central Amer- 
ica. 756a. Willow Thrush (salicicola) is more olive above; 
it is found in the Rockies and eastward to the Mississippi River. 


203 








GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH 
757. Hylocichla alicie. 7% inches 


Quite similar to the following but with the eye ring white and 
the sides of head and breast much paler. 

Breeds in northern Canada and migrates through the eastern 
states to Central America. 757a. Bicknell Thrush (bicknelli) 
is similar to the Gray-cheeked but smaller. It breeds in Nova 
Scotia. 


OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH 
758a. Hylocichla ustulata swainsonti. '74 inches 


Upper parts woolly olive-gray, with no brownish tinge; eye 
ring, sides of head, and breast distinctly buff; breast spotted 
with blackish. 

Song.—Quite similar to that of the Veery. 

Nest.—Composed of leaves, grass, and strips of bark, located 
in bushes or small trees near the ground; the four eggs are 
greenish blue spotted with reddish brown (.90 x .65). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from northern U. S. to 
New Brunswick and Manitoba. 


204 





HERMIT THRUSH 
759b. Hylocichla guttata pallasit. 6% inches 


Tail reddish brown, much brighter than the back and head; 
breast quite heavily spotted with black. 

During its migrations it rarely sings, but in its summer home 
it is regarded as a remarkable musician. Its song has the 
sweetness and purity of tone of that of the Wood Thrush, and 
is, perhaps, more varied, but it is not nearly as powerful, and 
has a ventriloquial effect. I watched one that was perched on 
a dead stump, about twenty feet from me, for several minutes 
with a pair of glasses before I could make sure that he was the 
author of the song I heard, for it sounded as though coming 
from across the next field. 

Nest.—Similar to that of the Wilson Thrush and like thar 
placed on the ground or very near it; the eggs are plain greenish 
blue (.85 x .65). 

Range.—Breeds from northern U. S. northward, and farther 
south in mountains; winters in the Gulf States. 


205 








AMERICAN ROBIN 
761. Planesticus migratorius. 10 inches 


Male with a black head and bright reddish-brown breast; 
female with a gray head and much paler breast; young inter- 
mediate between the two and with a reddish-brown breast 
spotted with black. 

These well-known birds are very abundant in the northern 
half of the United States, being found most commonly about 
farms and dwellings in the country, and also in cities if they are 
not persecuted too severely by English Sparrows. | 

Song.—A loud cheery carol, “‘cheerily-cheerup, cheerily- 
cheerup,” often long continued. 

Nest.—A coarse but substantial structure of mud and grass, 
placed on horizontal boughs or in forks at any height, or in any 
odd place about dwellings; the four or five eggs are bluish green 
(1.15 x .80). 

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the middle of the 
U.S. northward; winters throughout the U.S. 761b. Southern 
Robin (achrustera) is a paler form found in the Carolinas and 
Georgia. 


206 5 


GREENLAND WHEATEAR 
%65a. Sazxicola enanthe leucorrhoa. 6 inches 


The Wheatear is a European bird, but this sub-species is 
found in Greenland and occasionally in Labrador. 

Their habits are about the same as those of the Bluebird. 
They feed upon insects, larvee, fruits, berries, and some seeds. 
They are essentially ground birds and are usually found in 
rocky country. 

Nest.—Their nests are made of grasses, hair, or any rubbish 
obtainable, and are hidden in the innermost recesses of crevices 
among rocks, in deserted Bank Swallow nests or even in rabbit 
burrows. 

The four to six eggs are pale greenish blue, a little brigbter in 
shade than those of the Bluebird. They measure .94 x .60. 


207 








BLUEBIRD 
766. Svalia sialis. 7 inches 


These beautiful, gentle, and well-known birds spend the 
winter in the southern parts of the United States and north to 
the snow line; some more hardy than the rest are found 
throughout the winter in southern New England. 

Call.—A short sweet warble; song, a continued warbling. 

Nest.—In holes in trees, particularly in orchards, in bird 
boxes, or crannies about the buildings. The bottom of the 
cavity is lined with grasses for the reception of the four or five 
pale bluish eggs, which measure .84 x .62. 

Range.—Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to 
New Brunswick and Manitoba; winters chiefly in the southern 
parts of the United States. 766a. Azure Bluebird (azurea) is 
found in the mountains of eastern Mexico and north casually 
to southern Arizona. It is paler both above and below than 
our eastern bird. 


208 7 


FIELD KEY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF EASTERN LAND BIRDS 
BY CONSPICUOUS MARKINGS 


We have added this key at the request of many of our readers for a color scheme for iden- 
tification. It includes all the birds that have markings of sufficient prominence to be readily 
noticed in the field. 


1. BIRDS WITH RED OR ORANGE MARKINGS 


Scarlet body; black wings and tail;'73 in—SCARLET TANAGER. 

Red; darker above; crested; black face; 9 in—CARDINAL. 

Rosy-red; wings and tail slightly darker; 73 in.n—SUMMER TANAGER. 
Rosy-red; white wing bars; crossed bill; 6 in—WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. 
Rosy-red; gray back, wings and tail; stout bill; 83 inn—PINE GROSBEAK. 
Brick-red; wings and tail darker; crossed bill; 6 in —CROSSBILL. 

Purplish-red, streaked with darker; dark wings and tail—PURPLE FINCH. 
Red below; blue head; yellow back; 53 in—PAINTED BUNTING. 

Red patch on crown (concealed); greenish back; 45 in—KINGLET. 

Red cap; black chin; rosy breast; streaked; 5$ in—REDPOLL. 

Pink breast and under wings; black head and back; 8 in.—ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 
Ruby throat; metallic green back; tiny birds—HUMMINGBIRD. 


209 


Orange-red under wings and patch on crown; long forked tail—SCISSOR-TAILED FLY- 
CATCHER. 

Orange; black head, wings and tail (marked with yellow)—BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 

Orange breast, crown patch and above eye; black and white back, es and tail— 
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. 

Orange crown patch, edged with black; green back; 4 in.—KINGLET. 

Orange on sides, wings and tail; black aban 54 inn—REDSTART. 

Orange-brown crown edged with black; green back; spotted breast—OVEN-BIRD. 


2. BIRDS PROMINENTLY MARKED WITH BLUE 


Blue, shading to purplish on head; 53 in—INDIGO BUNTING. 

Blue; chestnut shoulders; black face; 7 in.—BLUE GROSBEAK. 

Blue above; brownish breast; 7 in.—BLUEBIRD. 

Blue above; black collar, bars on wings and tail (also white) —BLUE JAY. 

Pale blue above and streaks below; white on wings and taili—CERULEAN WARBLER. 

Dark blue above; black throat and sides; white on wing—BLACK-THROATED BLUE 
WARBLER. 

Light blue head and back; brown breast; 54 in.n—LAZULI BUNTING. 


210 % 


3. BIRDS WITH YELLOW AS PROMINENT COLOR 


Yellow below; green back; black mask—MARYLAND YELLOWTHROAT. 

Yellow below; gray head and breast; 53 in-—MOURNING WARBLER. 

Yellow below; gray head and breast; white eye ring—CONNECTICUT WARBLER. 

‘Yellow below; black crown and ears; yellow over eye—KENTUCKY WARBLER. 

Yellow below; green back; brown spots on back; black stripes on side—PRAIRIE WARBLER. 

Yellow below; green back; brown crown and streaks on side; white on tal—PALM WARBLER. 

Yellow below; green back; yellow crown; brown stripes on sides—YELLOW WARBLER. 

Yellow below; green back; brown ear patch and streaks on sides—CAPE MAY WARBLER. 

Se ee green back; brown patch on crown; head gray above—NASHVILLE WARB- 
ER 


Yellow Bolan. green back; orange-yellow head; white on tail—PROTHONOTARY WARB- 
LER. 


Yellow forehead, ears and below; green back; cap and throat black—HOODED WARBLER. 
Yellow breast; gray black spotted necklacee—CANADIAN WARBLER. 
Yellow breast; green back; gray head; white over eye—YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. 
Yellow breast; gray back; black through eye and down sides—YELLOW-THROATED 

WARBLER. 
Yellow breast; yellowish patch on back; brown on throat—PARULA WARBLER 
~ Yellow breast; green above; black throat and down sides—BLACK-THROATED GREEN 
WARBLER. 

211 


Yellow breast with black crescent; streaked above; 11 inn—MEADOWLARK. 

Yellow above and below; black cap, wings and taili—GOLDFINCH. 

Yellow head; black body; white patch on wing—YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. 
Yellow head; gray body; brown on shoulders; 45 in —VERDIN. 

Yellow crown; chestnut on sides; streaked above—CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. 
Yellow below and on rump; black back and spots on breast—MAGNOLIA WARBLER. 
Yellow patch on crown, rump and side; streaked with gray above—MYRTLE WARBLER. 


4. BIRDS WITH BROWN MARKINGS MOST PROMINENT 


Small brown birds (4 to 6 in.) with barred wings and tail—WRENS. 

Uniform brown above, gray below; long broad tail—CUCKOOS. 

Bright reddish brown above; spotted breast; 113 in—BROWN THRASHER 
Brown body; black head, wings and tail; 7} in n—ORCHARD ORIOLE. 
Reddish brown breast; slate back; dark head; 10 in.—ROBIN. 

Dull brown back; grayish, more or_less spotted breasts—THRUSHES. 

Brown belly; black crown and stripe through eye; gray back—NUTHATCH. 
Streaked brown and white; curved bill; climbs up treesse—BROWN CREEPER. 
Brownish gray; crested; yellow tip to tail; black through eye—WAX WING. 
Brown crown, throat and streaks on sides; black mask—BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. 
Brown sides; black head, throat and back; white on wings and tail—TOWHEE. 


212 





Brown rump and tail; gray back; streaked above and below—FOX SPARROW. 

Brown shoulder, yellow breast patch; black on throat—DICKCISSEL. 

Brown shoulder; streaked above; white outer tail feathers—VESPER SPARROW. 

Brown shoulder; black cap and patch on breast—McCOWN LONGSPUR. 

Brown nape; black breast and cap; light throat—CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR. 


5. SHARPLY DEFINED BLACK AND WHITE MARKINGS 


Black crown and throat; gray back; 5 in.—CHICKADEE. 

Black and white streaked bird; black crown; 5 in.—BLACK ‘POLL WARBLER. 

Black and white streaked bird; striped crown—BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER. 

Slate head, breast and back; white below and outer tail feathers—JUNCO. 

White throat; gray breast; crown striped black and white—WHITE-THROATED SPAR- 
ROW. 


Large white crown pateh edged with black; light bllow—WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. 

Black body; yellowish nape; white rump and on wings—BOBOLINK. 

Black crown; gray back; climbs down trees—WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. 

Dull gray birds with no markings may be FLYCATCHERS. 

Dull brownish, streaked birds are probably species of SPARROWS. 

Plain greenish backs and dull white underparts denote VIREOS. 

Glossy blackbirds are GRACKLES or CROWS; if with red shoulders, RED-WINGED 
BLACKBIRD; with dull brown head, COWBIRD. 


213 


CLASSIFIED TABLE OF EASTERN LAND BIRDS 


Showing Divisions into Orders, Families and Genera, as Adopted by the American 
Ornithologists’ Union 


ORDER PSITTACI. Parrots, Macaws, etc. 
Family PSITTACID. Genus 
CONUROPSIS Carolina Paroquet 
ORDER COCCYGES. Cuckoos, Kingfishers, etc. 
Family CUCULID. Genus 


CROTOPHAGA Anis 

GEOCOCCYX Road-runner 

COCCYZUS Cuckoos 
Family ALCEDINID. Genus 

CERYLE Kingfishers 


ORDER PICI. Woodpeckers. 
Family PICIDA. Genus 


CAMPEPHILUS Ivory-billed Woodpecker 
DRYOBATES Hairy to Texan Woodpecker 
PICOIDES Three-toed Woodpeckers 
SPHYRAPICUS Sapsuckers 
PHILGQOTOMUS Pileated Woodpeckers 
MELANERPES Red-headed Woodpeckers 


214 


Family PICIDA. Genus 
CENTURUS 
COLAPTES 


Red-bellied Woodpeckeis 


Flickers 


ORDER MACROCHIRES. Goatsuckers, Swifts, Hummingbirds, etc. 


Family CAPRIMULGID. Genus 
ANTROSTOMUS 
PHALZNOPTILUS 
NYCTIDROMUS 
CHORDEILES 

Family MICROPODID. Genus 
CHATURA 
AERONAUTES 

Family TROCHILID. Genus 
TROCHILUS 


ORDER PASSERES. Perching Birds. 


Family TYRANNID. Genus 
MUSCIVORA 
TYRANNUS 
PITANGUS 
MYIARCHUS 
SAYORNIS 


Q15 


Whip-poor-will 
Poorwill 
Paraque 
Nighthawks 


Chimney Swift 
White-throated Swift 


Ruby-thr. Hummer 


Scissor-tail Flycatcher 
Kingbirds 

Derby Flycatchers 
Crested Flycatchers 
Phoebes 


family TYRANNIDA. Genus 


Fanuly ALAUDID 4. 


NUTTALLORNIS 

MYIOCHANES 

EMPIDONAX 

PYROCEPHALUS 
Genus 


OTOCORIS 


Family CORVID. Genus 


Family STURNID 2. 
Family ICTERID. 


PICA 
CYANOCITTA 
APHLECOMA 
XANTHOURA 
PERISOREUS 
CORVUS 
NUCIFRAGA 
Genus 
STURNUS 
Genus 
DOLICHONYX 
MOLOTHRUS 
XANTHOCEPHALUS 
AGELAIUS 


216 


Olive-sided Flycatchers 
Pewees 

Least Flycatchers 
Vermilion Flycatchers 


Horned Larks 


Magpie 

Blue Jays 
Non-crested Jays 
Green Jay 

Canada Jay 
Crows and Ravens 
Clarke Nutcracker 


Starling 


Bobolink 
Cowbirds 
Yellow-head Blackbird 
Red-winged Blackbirds 


Family ICTERID. Genus 


STURNELLA 
ICTERUS 
SCOLECOPHAGUS 
QUISCALUS . 


Family FRINGILLIDA. Genus 


HESPERIPHONA 
PINICOLA 
CARPODACUS 
LOXIA 
LEUCOSTICTE 
ACANTHIS 
ASTRAGALINUS 
SPINUS 
PLECTROPHENAX 
CALCARIUS 
RHYNCOPHANES 
POCGECETES 
PASSER 
PASSERCULUS 
COTURNICULUS 
AMMODRAMUS 


217 


Meadowlarks 
Orioles 

Rusty Blackbirds 
Grackles 


Evening Grosbeak 
Pine Grosbeaks 
Purple Finches 
Crossbills 
Leucostictes 
Redpolls 
Goldfinches 

Pine Siskin 
Snowflakes 
Longspurs 

McCown Longspurs 
Vesper Sparrow 
English Sparrow 
Ipswich Sparrow 
Grasshopper, Leconte 
Sharp-tail Seaside 


Family FRINGILLID. Genus 


CHONDESTES 
ZONOTRICHIA 
SPIZELLA 
JUNCO 
AMPHISPIZA 
PEUCHA 
MELOSPIZA 
PASSERELLA 
PIPILO 
OREOSPIZA 
CARDINALIS 
PYRRHULOXIA 
ZAMELODIA 
GUIRACA 
PASSERINA 
SPOROPHILA 
SPIZA 
CALAMOSPIZA 


Family TANAGRID. Genus 


PIRANGA 


218 


Lark Sparrow 

Harris and Crowned Spar 
Chippy, Tree, Field 
Juncos 
Black-throated, Bell 
Pine-wood Sparrow 
Song, Swamp Sparrow 
Fox Sparrow 

Towhees 

Green-tailed Towhee 
Cardinal 

Pyrrhuloxia 
Rose-breast Grosbeak 
Blue Grosbeak 
Buntings 

Seed-eater 

Dickcissel 

Lark Bunting 


Tanagers 


Family HIRUNDINID. Genus 
PROGNE 
PETROCHELIDON 
HIRUNDO 
IRIDOPROCNE 
RIPARIA 
STELGIDOPTERYX 


Family BOMBYCILLID. Genus 
BOMBYCILLA 


Family LANIID. Genus 
LANIUS 


Family VIREONID. Genus 
VIREOSYLVA 
LANIVIREO 
VIREO 

Family MNIOTILTID. Genus 
MNIOTILTA 
PROTONOTARIA 
HELINAIA 
HELMITHEROS 


219 


Purple Martin 

Cliff Swallow 

Barn Swallow 

Tree Swallow 

Bank Swallow 
Rough-winged Swallow 


Waxwings 
Shrikes 


Red-eye, Warbling Vireo 
Yell.-thr., Blue-head 
White-eye Vireo 


Black and White Warbler 
Prothonotary 

Swainson Warbler 
Worm-eating Warbler 


Family MNIOTILTID. Genus 


HELMINTHOPHILA 
COMPSOTHLYPIS 
DENDROICA . 
SEIURUS 
OPORORNIS 
GEOTHLYPIS 
ICTERIA 

WILSONIA 
SETOPHAGA 


Family MOTACILLID. Genus 


ANTHUS 


Family TROGLODYTID. Genus 


OROSCOPTES 
MIMUS 
DUMETELLA 
TOXOSTOMA 
HELEODYTES 
SALPINCTES 
THRYOTHORUS 
THRYOMANES 
TROGLODYTES 


220 


Bachman to Tennessee 
Parula Warbler 

Cape May to Palm Warbler 
Oven-bird, Water-Thrush 
Ky., Conn., and Mourning 
Yellow-throats 

Chat 

Hooded to Canadian 
Redstarts 


Pipits 


Sage Thrasher 
Mockingbird 
Catbird 
Thrashers 
Cactus Wren 
Rock Wren 
Carolina Wren 
Bewick Wren 
House Wren 


Family TROGLODYTID®. Genus 


Family CERTHID®. 


NANNUS 

CISTOTHORUS 

TELMATODYTES 
Genus ; 


CERTHIA 


Family PARID. Genus 


Family SYLLVUD. 


Family TURDID. 


SITTA 
BAOLOPHUS 
PENTHESTES 
AURIPARUS 
Genus 
REGULUS 
POLIOPTILA 
Genus 
HYLOCICHLA 
PLANESTICUS 
SAXICOLA 
SIALIA 


Winter Wren 
Short-bill Marsh Wren 
Long-bill Marsh Wren 


Brown Creeper 


Nuthatches 
Titmice 
Chickadees 
Verdin 


Kinglets 
Gnatcatchers 


Thrushes 
Robins 
Wheatear 
Bluebird 





INDEX 


Amr Grooved-pilled ina. .) seus y aes ee 18 ChickadeeCarolina cee) Sekar alee eee 196 
Blackbird SSrewers. +s. .te.. ae aoe es 7a Chickadee#Eludsonians ae eee cin. cee 197 
Blackbird sRed=winged.c.... we eerie 65 @huck=willisswid Ow, seen dete creteete ewes ee 34 
Blackbird, Red-winged, Bahaman.......... 65 Cowbird sie 20sec eee Meer pe ee 63 
Bibveleovigel, 1ileaeee pas uae co bn ee bwid san Ute 65 Cowhbird; Dwarty Me scok ihe cee tee 63 
Blackbirds Rusty. sect eee eee ae Al Creeper, Brownktc.c0e eee ee eae 191 
Blackbirds yellow-headedi: 2 aes tase 64 Crossbill American®. | esnis, seein seer eae a 76 
JE INGRE) oF bw a eel’ A ORES pera he mec see Saurrs OES, RR 208 Crossbill SW hite-wirized a: 9). sky ees 77 
Bluebird Azure. = .h sehn8 a VP RHR aoe 208 Grow; A MEriCane ve. Crh came anny semen 59 
Bunting lack-throatecdee myer aie wee 122 Grow; ‘Clarke tnievten (otis siccd ea, tue, Soltabn ewer 60 
IBUebakerha¥es h als hhexoy- coustcuais Sie aicho chest asin Sas oho ook LG Crow, Fish sg eum tee ne aa een ae be Dir es) 
Bunting. Wark. eet ce tek ee ahi ant ts 123 Grow; Flori danesr ccs aris, eee ots ea ate. TRS}S 
Banting laziest eee ea eis sus | 118 Cuckoo, Black=billed: ret tien cet ante 20 
SUN CIN) Viariednam amr. coy os eee eet naa 119 Cuckoo, Mangrove........7..; PERE Sa 19 
Bunting sai nted een yte ee. neeeeae oe ene er eee 120 @uckoo; Yellow=billediae a) cues cae Beale 19 
SOO lin ket z ee ey tae ares aa ee ey 62 Dickcissels oie se okie ee ee ee ee 122 
Gardinal. 2h wo en ret aes aias Binch; Pines cs enor cee oe ee re 82 
Bardinal, lOnGdanc ee air eee elas eas lS Finch, Purples tice. 23 an eens: ome ae ee 75 
@ardinals “Lexan re aa setts cv ante See ae ctr 114 Hicker :..tc een or keane Mie eae ae ae Ws oa. 
(Ceviostae Beate A Bo putrcgcbe, PRR ARcRARN ORE 2. er ty al pe 182 Blicker INoOrtherrniwieon mona ae ieee ear aes aoe 32 
(hat, Worng-tatled mea cwhe chet a cee ne ot 174 Blicker;;Red:shaftedy aw ote eee ee ee ke 33 
nae, -Y ellow=breaStediiis... aio <a soe eter Sete 174 ElycatchérsAcadian.@as ae eee ee cee 50 
@hebec:.... teeeisee = ee ee Sil! BhycatcherswAdiler, eater rashda sam concen ee 51 
(hewink- Sse ce evest hake casnare tenement 111 Elycatcher, ‘Crested ham. 3 in ic ane 46 
@hickadee, Black-cappedige ene crasmiey ts ons 196 Kivcatchers Degby ccs eka eet eas Lae -45 
223 


Flycatcher, Green-crested......../........ 50 


rilivcat chet nweastis: | can spy sia vane edsren. pon ete 51 
Flycatcher, Olive-sided. . (225.2... -.5....5 48 
Elyeatcher) Scissor-tailed.) 2.050. di... Al 
Bivcatehers Vermilion. (0. 5 Gere aa. anaes ae 
Bivcateher.ny cllow=bellied.- 2 ss tveiteiae ornare 50 
Gmateatcher, Dlue-grayecsh ous ode ae rer 201 
Gold timceh A Merican areas. se ce Ss ee 80 
Woldtinch*Aw eStermins.d se. ike ok ae ae 81 
Grackleboat-taileds... 2 c.0- ne eo ae 72 
Grackles Bronzed sie vo jee cll. eat 2 
Grackie: MlOMGaue: seats kis eet ae ets ee 72 
Gracklet' Great tailed ait a0 ..5 hahaa che. ie 
(Gare). aga CAbT 0) Ce c= ie aes be eta eee tA 72 
rrOsbeake able aa kee eines es mE ane ae 116 
Grosbeak? Blue Western.) 7). #....5-0 ene 116 
Grosbeak, Evening...........; Seay Ay po As id 
GrosbeakuPine.seris acioe mews via MT aly sae 74 
Grosbeak, Rose-breasted...........5.000885 LS 
Hummingbird, Ruby-throated............. 40 
NAV GME LUC Ai as de KS Sealey Meee a. age sold. ence ete 55 
averse MONG] jaarierccie ec changer acniae sae 55 
dayveie Canada’ ya ton. Nae Ran ptewiie mitre Aaah 58 
NFA APLULORI aS ah. oie os. oye us ejomta el arabe tee a gielre eae 56 
AAV Ah Carl COM aw sce eis Mars cibtc ts same are tia one cee 57 
ay ea Tad Oe ners cic yvastesal oes asso hear arden ears 58 
HuncomC arOlimarn toe Qessueiy es cya toe hed aie ie 104 
huncos. Slate-colored cis mers aosbanees cicee Ba 104. 
FUNCOS WW bite“ winged 5, ase alens -g Sept 103 
Renae Did Soe yee ts eee Saree, Mela RE. oe aie 42 


224 


Kingbird, Arkansas...... 
Kingbird !Grayeuaseieee. 
Kingfisher, Belted....... 
Kingfisher, Texas....... 
Kinglet, Golden-crowned. 
Kinglet, Ruby-crowned. . 
Lark, Horned: 2.0.2... 
Lark, Horned, Desert... . 
Lark, Horned, Prairie... . 


ele) ioe Jp) fo" wie) AiMegie lua ile Rahal 


Leucosticte, Gray-crowned.................. 
Longspur, Chestnut-collared=. 35 J325 .4eo. 


Longspur, Lapland... .... 
Longspur, M’Cown...... 
Longspur, Smith........ 
Magpie, American....... 
Martin; Purples... aoe 
Meadowlark). she 
Meadowlark, Florida.... 
Meadowlark, Western... 
Mocking birdie ene ace 
Mockingbird, Western... 
INighthawies 1 eee 
Nighthawk, Florida..... 
Nighthawk, Sennett..... 
Nighthawk, Texan...... 
Nighthawk, Western..... 
INNonparéile. 2s... cues 
Nuthatch, Brown-headed. 
Nuthatch, Red-breasted.. 
Nuthatch, White-breasted 


9.0, era ef feu-= Ge 0) el a) oe talisl ie 


siis-lie! iwisms/e: 19! 19/0/0918) :ér\eu dls, ist fe 


SoS jateet Or wow.) e| 6 er el re) (a uroe coh we 


ROMO MCMC et iL Mec ec wh Puree 


acter eee tack Cro i ur ce 





Nuthatch, White-breasted, Florida......... 192 Shrike, White-rumped 


OnolewAudubonhis ok eee ee es ee 67 Sisk irs atape oer sets fe cai cetee sia) Beene cu antes 
OnolesBaltimoresé-aks. . 2 ee SO, eae 70 Snowllakeyt- aaa cts le eration ene 

@irolere lOO eC MA pak rae thease eo aR he 68 Sparrows, bachimatler, ae enna te cen an 
OrniglenNelsoniee oaks cen chen othe. 68 Sparrows Baird: src des tien Mee eee tin 
Oriole Orchard ey cet crawler te Ste ot 63 Sparrow, Black-throated’, .79. 00 das. a5 
OPOlE SCOPE ne err re ae a ORE, See 67 Sparrows Brewer nme he cle tes, J tee te wk eee 
Oven: Dirge So. cee se ee iy & Bae ON Er oe 168 SPaLEcoOws: Gilat piin Oa ee ie er ens eee 
Paka GUC WICTET Ly ge Merge Neer Ee Pci nt Aas 35 Sparrow, Clay-colored 1s... wie) Ce eee ee 
arOUuet mG aLOli Nace eeu a eerie mee, oy ere ig SDarrowse Wesert ieee tal a, ae ee 
IBEWeE wm WOOGF rats, fate ae eee ore Os rc ERR Ie 49 Sparrow, Png hsh os aiieyant se eae aurea anes 
IPHOCDERHt Ree ehraey oe bie ein ewe) Chet Aurea ey 47 Sparrows ie! pao ake ahicc ie aden Sevens aaeen ones 
Pipit VA Men CAN AON ade. CL Sot Ee teks oh: ES) Sparrows peieldsaVVestern a.) sees wee ene 
RUDI, 3S Drak Were rete. rier an eee heer 7) Sparrows HOR Waco eek ceducsae nha] | haan ee 
TOOL Wille Rapti, see i ues eRe a 2, ek ai 36 Sparrows Grasshopper? alin seen eee 
1g Ses 0 Fey, pe ae eI Se. |e 144 Sparrow, Grasshopper, Florida............. 
Rawen BW bite necked nes ac sacs meee 2 59 Sparrows, ELarris) eek se ie, heme AR ree 
REA DO te ee ese. ae es gen a 79 Sparrow LLensSlOw.ce ves cs | ea esr eee 
Redpoll, Crea ten eon laa ek Sean 79 Sparrow .ael PSWichiteariee heron e eee rae 

ned poll) Greenland’. (va. ome vee oe 79 Sparrow, hark ies.) Se shies oe oe. eee 
Red poll VElOatsy. ewe Rane | Sacee ate ere 19 Sparrow) Wank, iVVieSterilan stents oe eee ae 
Red poll gEvolboOelite a @ ican is, 4 heraas Meee hee ee 19 Sparrow, Leconte....... RC ee eee Fe 
Redstart American sarees mae attain ya WES SpalrrOwsaletnGOl in. cee eae ms) 
Road=niunneryere. ketene etn Aine eke Me ss 18 Sparrow, Pineswoodsit. sts Gets geuaate nae ae 
TROP TNE  eee Srcrac tel cals, ¢ Scie cab eens ener ts 206 Sparrows Sage stint cee are ete eee en eae 
ROM N. SOOU CICK Menage ce ore vit tei cupa een ENre Ts abe 206 Spar rOw.sod Vata omen ee ena chee eae ee ane 
Sapsuckersavellow-bellied®,. meses: sk: 28 Sparrow, Savannah, Wesitemm.... ......... 
Seedeater, Sharp, or Marellet.............. At Sparrows OCaSldGewe cyene 4. aia hie octet ee eae 
Shrike, Woggenheadinn tee seis seer snstae 6 ome sc TOS Spapiow, Seaside, uSk vy siamese ee as 
Shrike, Northern...... Bee ee CAN TCATN cise ieee 132 SPATLOW SEASIGE, sISHel. 8, at emer ens, © cee dienes 


225 





Sparrow, Seaside, Macgillivray............. 94 
Sparrow sy Seaside; SCOLLemam Sees ae ee ne 94 
Sparrows Foeasides “Lb exase ease nee eee ee ones 94 
Sparrow Sharp-tailedia) eemardekeeeias fee 93 
Sparrow, Sharp-tailed, Acadian............ 93 
Sparrow; 7 Nelsons aitencs, core oe ee ieee 93 
SDALLOWs SONG React. © ete ioe: ey ene Feo 107 
Sparrows oon’, Wakota. cps cae ee 107 
SPAaLrOws WOW AID seis crete wie wee ere ore a ce 109 
Sparrow, (ree kee a Oe, ate ner aes 99 
Sparrow, Lrees Westerns 5 sees eee eee 99 
Sparrow yn VESPCL cents cet eee ene cece 89 
Sparrows, Vesper. Western. oi. ctns aie tile 89 
Sparrow, White-crowned. ...............-+ 97 
Sparrow. 1 W hite-throateds os ,..scure ne eek acne 98 
SlArLIN Gas SON MR aS ol heen cee ernie ae RE 61 
Swallows bank so seks tate eh ae 130 
Swallows barn. sate Leh Lia ree 128 
Swallows G lili Peau nue lke ene hate ee AE 
Swallow, Rough-winged...=8 2.0.2.2.) ss05 130 
Swallow Lree hi eae Se ik: PINs eee cea et 129 
Switty Chimneys se tet ae serene see in 38 
Swifts: White-throated. ...7.8.- cence saniees 5 

MANAGCE, pOCarletepae hohe ee See nares 124 
Wranagers SummMenneh s cctasts oe ect ee nee ee 25 
‘Thrashers Bbbownecidacede sok eee 183 
Lhrashernoabkee ay aianme Mae aati sc eet ate 180 
hrushy Bicknellieivacs dams eae hee he ca aco 204 
‘bnrushsGray-cheekedat at sas Hae oe ae 204 
Morush,- Hermie eA. vale sae eae ee 205 


226 





‘Ehrusha Olives paced ae sea een eee £04 
ALhrus bee Willows osc veeeas tae ee ee 203 
‘Thrush? Wilson's 3588 oo oe ee ee 203 
‘Ehrushs:Wo00d ers (ome ee hace eee 202 
lait, Yellow-headedirs 00 tS eee 198 
Titlarks 2, Se 5h eee Cee a ee 179 
Titmouse, Tufted. fener ee Pe leet 195 
Titmouse, Black-crestediaess nati tet ee 195 
Towheey 255 Sia oe. ae eon De eee 111 
Towhee; Green-tailed* #2) so. jo eae 112 
‘owhee;, Wihite-eyedta5 to. as aa ree eee 111 
Veer yer re ee ne cone eae ie ee 203 
Verdin coi Fe he) ee oie nae ne ee 198 
Vireo» Blue:headed. 24 ean. eee eee 138 
Vireo, Black-capped't 428 ecg ae ween eee 139 
Vireo, Key Westisa. doe cette eae eee 140 
Vireo hiladelphiaa. cea: scree mere 136 
Vireo, Redseyedisst.s sack one Caen tee eae 135 
Vireo, Solitary. zane tats cone eae 138 
Vareo. Solitary a Mountain eres ee rae 138 
Vireo m Wark ling tee ene tie ee eee 136 
Vireo, Wrhite-eyed 25200 fendi cre me eee 140 
Vireo, White-eyed; Bermuda tae a pte era 140 
Vireo.) Wihite-eyed:, Smallest ee 140 
Vareosy ellow-=throatedh. . 4.) seme cen eek Hei 
Warblersibachmane: 9) ou. une ieie tee eee 145 
Warblers Bay-breasted:: eee eee 158 
Warblers Black and’ Whites. eos 141 
Warbleseblackburnian ass an see eee 159 
Warbler*sBlack-pollya ic nee ees gists Be) 


Warblerpsislack-chroated, blue wane See 153 
Warbler, Black-throated, Green............ 163 
Warbler, Blue-winged =i. .0.05 2 aca peak sk 146 
Warbler@Bbrewsterens dusae tod eaters ee 147 
Wiarblermn@airns eerste thes Seas accys 153 
Warbler: @anadianeewer reer deittn ee ioch. aos WH % 
Wianblen@aperViaya eed ase ciate eerie ere 151 
Warblers@eruleanm,sesrisce ek Goh a. Sa ea 156 
Warblers Chestnut-sided =e pees aes LSS e/ 
Warblers @onnecticutae | snr). kieke ne ae IAL 
Wiatblem: Golden-cheecedes. i semicon 162 
WiarblersGordenewinved ameristar ee 147 
Warbler tlOood ed cance tae sie are ete meas 175 
WrarblereiWentucky nepriss crc itste ches Semele < 170 
WrarblemrKurtlandiin sn reas: seri een: rants 164 
Wiarblersvawrencery samccein as eae cide 147 
WianblereViagnoliame eine sce eeemrratine ¢ 155 
Warbler Mournin oars ai etree aiierr crs oe 172 
Wiar bier nWIVTtletn wauteic coe acon er eeecrsde ccs 154 
WiarbleriNashivil lermeer ss. pace ra eto cae 148 
Warbler, Orange-crowneds ss ere 148 
Warbler wealimiran shen Go ee ie ein rae 166 
Wianblers ital ml scl seis ne eer onses tee cue 166 
Warblers Rarulan seer ont cer eo Sse 150 
Warbler barula; Northern.... 2. eee os see 150 
Niarbler thimeker, seer ier eros elas «ica 165 
Warbler Sbrairieyen: tas ade tttor Mabie ites, 2 167 
Warbler gRrotnOnO tay sacseuy cetera = koe 142 
Warbler SEnnet tis ne aera ste eed ce cists 150 
Warblers wa lhsOliemert mere cns) le nate toae ic onsen 143 


227 


Warblers Sycamoren..e gee nic eee 161 
WarblerctFennessee =. one eee 149 
iWiarblerse Wilson 6.4 cry cree Santer ier arate ae 176 
Warbler, Worm-eating 4) a ee eee 144 
iWiarbler! 2Y CHOW Zita kore tec ee saa Gy 
Warbler syellow-throated asc een pee ae 161 
Waters hrush sc 2 out eee ob cae Ree 169 
Waters Dbhrushs Ibouisianarsee eee eae 169 
WiaxwintseSQheniianes) lanier ieee yee 131 
Waxwings: Cedarn bie. anperets sie aa ee 132 
Wheatear; Greenland’) 2.2440 05.40 ener 207 
Wihip=poor-willec el or seta ae ee eer cater 35 
Woodpecker, American Three-tocd.,....... 27 
Woodpecker, Arctic Three-toed ............ 27 
Woodpecker, Downy, Northern............ 25 
Woodpecker, Downy, Southern............ 25 
Woodpecker, Golden-winged............... 32 
Woodpeckers Hairy sss tee ec on ae ee 24 
Woodpecker, Hairy, Northern............. 24 
Woodpecker, Hairy, Southern.............. 24 
Woodpecker, Ivory-billed................. 2S 
Woodpecker, Pileated..................... 29 
Woodpecker, Pileated, Northern........... 29 
Woodpecker, Red-bellied.................. oul 
Woodpecker, Red-cockaded................ 26 
Woodpecker, Red-headed.................. 30 
Woodpecker, Texan. 2...) sustvicne eae 26 
Wrens; Bewick ois 6 aha) Reisen ak ae ae 187 
Wiren Bewick, Dexas: Se ee ee eee 187 
WW renMiCCACLUS: cree S aecner tans Rees Eel teh eae eee 184 


Wrens: Carolina 2h. 5 sstaciocctete soa ere ree 186 
Wiren, Florida... orc 2:5 cnererc nee ona aes 186 
Winer? HOUSEMIAS ee Seal tn ie ae Nerina ere) eae 188 
Wiren louse, West€rm: 2.2 nes ce ee 188 
Wrens lomitas soot a enh eens Mien aa te 186 
Wren» Long-billediMarshe. 34... se a 6 190 
WEN ROCKIN. Miah crate Seta ea cue csiewelere ean oie 185 


Q2R 


Wren Short-billediMarsh pee eres 190 
Wrens Wintersn ai athe. coed te a eee ee 189 
ellows=throat.-Mloridameaaan eee eee 173 
Yellowethroat. Maryland ee eee eee « 173 
Yellow-throat, Northern...........:...... Zs 
Yellow-throat, Western......... et eee 173 


. FLOWER GUIDE 


WILD FLOWERS EAST OF THE ROCKIES 
By CHESTER A. REED, B.S. 
With 320 Fiowers in Colour, Painted by the Author 


HIS volume has been carefully prepared with two objects in view—to serve the greatest 

number of persons in the greatest possible way, and still have a volume that can be carried 
comfortably in the pocket. Most of the coloured paintings have been made from living plants, 
the balance from herbarium specimens. The text and pictures incorporate just those points 
that will serve to identify each flower as it is most likely to be found. ‘The introductory pages 
give the life cycle of a plant from seed to seed. 


Bound in flexible paper-lined cloth or in strong, flexible imitation leather 


WATER AND GAME BIRDS 


By CHESTER A. REED, B.S. 


HIS book is uniform in size and scope with LAND BIRDS. It includes all of the Water 

Birds, Game Birds and Birds of Prey, east of the Rockies. Each species is ILLUSTRATED 
IN COLOUR from oil paintings; the bird, its habits and nesting habits are described. 

The pictures show more than 230 birds in colour, every species found in our range. They 
exceed in number those in any other bird book. In quality they cannot be surpassed—exquisite 
gems, each with an attractive background, typical of the habitat of the species. 

“LAND BIRDS” and “WATER BIRDS” are the only books, regardless of price, that 
describe and show in colour every bird. 250 pages, neatly boxed. 


Bound in flexible paper-lined cloth or in strong, flexible imitation leather 


WESTERN BIRD GUIDE 


‘~By CHESTER A. REED 


COMPANION volume to the “‘ Land Birds,” and ‘“‘ Water and Game Birds East of the Rock- 

ies.’ It contains notes on all the land and water birds in the Rockies and West to the Pacific 

Coast. A coloured illustration of each subject appears on a page, with full description of appear- 
ance, season, nesting and food habits, and eggs. 

A full and complete index is provided, and valuable suggestions for systematic bird study. 
The colour work is of the highest quality, and is done after bird portraits that are accurate in all 
respects. 

Prepared by a recognized authority, the book, is perhaps the finest pocket bird manual 
obtainable. 

Printed in convenient form to slip into the back pocket, so as to be available for instant use. 


Bound in flexible paper-lined cloth or in strong, flexible imitation leather 


THE BIRD STUDY OMS 


By T. GILBERT PEARSON 


HE idea here is to present a bird book in -which How to get on neighborly terms with the birds 
the beginner or the child can get in simple language Do birds have more than one mate? 
the fundamental facts of bird study. Bird spinsters. 
Mr. Pearson, as Secretary of the National Association What bird is called the ‘Outcast’? 
of Audubon Societies, is one of the best informed writers What birds winter in your particular locality? 
on birds in America. How many birds are there in the world? 
He is just the author to kindle enthusiasm. A few of Birds that are no more—the story of the Labradot 
the questions and subjects suggested by a reading of Duck, the Great Auk, the Wild Pigeon. 
“The Bird Study Book”’ are: All about bird boxes. 


Coloured Frontispiece 


Pen and ink drawings by WILL SIMMONS, and 16 photographs. 
THE TREE GUIDE 


By JULIA ELLEN ROGERS, Author of ‘‘The Tree Book’’ 


HE TREE GUIDE is uniform in style and size with the well known pocket Bird Guides which have become 
so universally popular. It contains illustrations and descriptions of the trees of the country. The descrip- 
tions include the range, the classification, the distinctive features such as flowers, leaves, fruit, etc., and all other 
marks that lead to an easy identification of the tree. An ideal volume for expert naturalist or amateur for field work 


or even more exhaustive study. 
32 illustrations in colours; many in black and white. 
Flexible paper-lined cloth and strong, flexible imitation leather. 


THE POCKET GARDEN LIBRARY 


Four Volumes, Containing More Than 800 Coloured Illustrations 
Edited by LEONARD BARRON 


Garden Flowers of Spring Garden Flowers of Summer 
By ExLuien Eppy SHaw By EvLten Enpy SHaw 
Garden Flowers of Autumn Flowers of Winter 
By ELLen Eppy SHaw By Montague FREE 


HE first pocket colour guides to popular garden favourltes—hardy annuals, herbaceous peren- 

nials, shrubs, evergreens, and some greenhouse plants. 

They are the same size and general make-up as the Pocket Guides to the birds, the wild flow- 
ers, etc., which sell each year into the hundreds of thousands. 

The text is concise and up-to-date, and tells how to identify and care for each variety, what 
value it has for the garden, and the methods of propagation. All the illustrations have been 
specially made for this work by the best plant portrait painters in America. 


Bindings of flexible paper-lined cloth and strong, flexible imitation leather 


THE WORTH KNOWING SERIES 


Four Volumes, Containing nearly 112 Illustrations, 64 of Which Are in Colour 
Fully Indexed 


Birds Worth Knowing Butterflies Worth Knowing 
By Neutye BLANCHAN By Ciarence M. WEED 
Trees Worth Knowing . Flowers Worth Knowing 
Adapted from the works of NettsE BLANCHAN 
By Juut1a ELLEN RocErs By Asa Don Dickinson 


HE Worth Knowing Series forms a much needed in-between link to the larger Nature-Library 

books and the handy, but necessarily limited, Pocket Nature Guides. 

Each of these four volumes covers the most interesting American varieties of the subject 
treated. 

A general introduction to each subject is followed by detailed descriptions of the most inter- 
esting families, and of the more important members in each group. » 


EB UTTER EayenG Orb Ee 


By DR. W. J. HOLLAND 
Author of ‘‘ The Butterfly Book,’’ ‘‘The Moth Book,’’ Etc. Similar to the ‘‘ Pocket Nature Guides’’ 


HIS is the first Butterfly Book of pocket size giving each species in its natural colours. It 

is uniform in style and binding to the popular Pocket Nature Guides series, and makes a 
valuable companion volume to these books. 

Dr. Holland, Director of the Carnegie Museum, Pittsburg, is the greatest butterfly authority 
in the country, and has had more experience in the mounting and artistic posing of moths and 
butterflies than any other living man. The plates in the Pocket Guide are entirely new and re- 
produced by a special process under Dr. Holland’s personal supervision, from specimens in his 
own collection. 

This book is the most authoritative and valuable guide for field use ever published. It makes 
the identification of our common butterflies a simple matter for amateurs. 

Illustrations of 250 butterflies in their natural colours. 


Bound in flexible paper-lined cloth or in strong, flexible imitation leather 


THE WESTERN FLOWER GUIDE 


By CHARLES FRANCIS SAUNDERS 


HIS little volume, uniform with the Pocket Nature Guides, is a comprehensive and compact 
treatment of the flower life between the Mississippi and the Pacific coast. Its coloured illus- 
trations and the accompanying text make it easy to identify any specimen. 

Flowers are described in family groups, and are thus, by a study of resemblances and con- 
trasts, made easier to master. The colour work is attractive and accurate, being reproduced from 
the work of well known flower portrait painters. The book is prepared by authorities, and the 
needs of the general public have been considered in the manner of presentation. A bibliography 
is provided for readers who wish to undertake a more detailed study. Of convenient pocket size, 
it is an ideal handbook of flower information. 


Bound in flexible paper-lined cloth or in strong, flexible imitation leather 


HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH BIRDS 


By NEIL MORROW LADD 


COMPLETE manual of information upon the treatment of birds. How and where to buil\ 

bird houses, when to put them out, ways of attracting the desired species, ways of develop- 

ing nesting and feeding habits, etc. Exhaustive information is given of bird enemies and ways cf 

combating them; insect destroyers of crops and ways of attracting birds which feed upon them; 
organization of bird clubs, and other means of encouraging and protecting bird life. 

The book contains a helpful bibliography, a complete index, and over 200 illustrations, 

diagrams, charts, etc. It is a complete and authoritative handling of the subject. Pocket size. 


Bound in flexible paper-lined cloth or in strong, flexible imitation leather 


HOMING WITH THE BIRDS 


A Word and Picture Story of Bird Life in its Intimate Aspects 
By GENE STRATTON-PORTER 


HIS book contains the intimate observations of a bird lover who has been, uninvited, at 

many “at homes” of the birds. She made her visits with her camera, and the book is unique 
for its numerous unusual photographs of live birds taken nesting, feeding, and singing, revealing 
intimate aspects of bird life that have rarely been treated so successfully before. Mrs. Porter’s 
eloquent and enlivening style has made the birds as entertaining as any of her other characters. 
They are lifelike and amusing, and their comedies and tragedies, their habits and daily life, are 
presented in a way to leave the reader entertained and informed. 


See your garden while planning it with 
THE GARDEN BLUE BOOK 


By LEICESTER B. HOLLAND 


HIS is the one complete book of reference containing all the practical, needed informaticn 
about the two hundred hardy perennials. Its remarkable colour chart shows at a glance the 
height, the time of blooming, the colour of bloom, preference for sun or shade, wet or dry soil, 
fragrance, cutting qualities—in a word, the whole story of all the dependable perennials. In 
addition to this chart there is a page given to each perennial, on which there is a photographic 
reproduction of the plant together with description, cultural directions and enemies, all carefully 


enumerated. 


THE COMPLETE GARDEN 


By ALBERT D. TAYLOR, M.S.A. 


Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects 
Non-resident Professor Landscape Architecture in Ohia State University 


Le Aes an entire Garden Library in one volume. In it, garden owners will find 
the answers to every question on the planning and upkeep of garden grounds. 

The book covers substantially every part of the country. The author is a landscape author- 
ity and the book was prepared with the consultation of experts in each field. 

Every convenience for making the book a complete authority has been added. Many 
illustrations in colour and black and white, charts, diagrams, cross referenced lists, an exhaustive 
index, a full bibliography, glossary of terms, ete. 


The book is large, handsomely made, and conveniently priced, at $6.00 per volume. 


* 


* Ne Pe i 
* oy Salle ee Os ie 





Natural History Survey 
Library 








Ag eee 
AO tera A IE ype ee 
oe ~ 
ai 
= ee : . 
Tee 
ear 
aS a ee = — 
se a A 
_ ss 
re 
a 


oa AI ne 


